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Nonpulsatile ventricular assist bridging to transplantation
L A Golding1, R W Stewart, M Sinkewich
1Department of Thoracic and Cardiovascular Surgery, Cleveland Clinic Foundation, Ohio 44106.
ASAIO Transactions
|July 1, 1988
Summary
The Biomedicus LVAD offers a cost-effective temporary support solution for patients awaiting heart transplants. This device aided in stabilizing critically ill patients, with three survivors successfully receiving transplants.
Area of Science:
- Cardiology
- Medical Devices
- Transplantation
Background:
- Critically ill patients awaiting cardiac transplantation often require mechanical circulatory support.
- The Biomedicus Left Ventricular Assist Device (LVAD) is a potential option for these patients when other treatments fail.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the safety and efficacy of the Biomedicus LVAD as a bridge to cardiac transplantation.
- To assess patient outcomes, including survival and organ function recovery, during LVAD support.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective analysis of six patients who received the Biomedicus LVAD as a bridge to transplantation.
- Patients received support after failure of all other therapeutic modalities.
- Device support duration ranged from 2.5 to 31 days.
Main Results:
- Three of six patients survived and were discharged after cardiac transplantation.
- Survivors were supported for 2.5, 3, and 31 days.
- Three deaths occurred due to sepsis, embolism, and respiratory failure.
- Hemolysis was minimal, and other organ functions generally improved during support.
- The LVAD facilitated limited patient mobilization.
Conclusions:
- The Biomedicus LVAD can be a viable, relatively inexpensive support option for patients awaiting cardiac transplantation.
- Successful transplantation was achieved in 50% of patients supported with the device.
- The device demonstrated the ability to maintain organ function and allow for some patient mobility.