Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jan 30, 2026
07:49
Author Spotlight: Investigating HR-Dependent Cardiac Function in Mouse Models Through a Novel Atrial-Pacing Approach
Published on: July 21, 2023
2.0K
Mechanical circulatory support in the heart failure population.
Hamed Nazzari1, Colin D Chue1,2, Mustafa Toma1
1Division of Cardiology, St. Paul's Hospital, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, Canada.
Current Opinion in Cardiology
|January 12, 2019
Summary
Durable left ventricular assist devices (LVADs) are increasingly used for heart failure due to donor heart scarcity. Advances improve patient quality of life and survival, though complications persist.
Area of Science:
- Cardiology
- Medical Devices
- Heart Failure Management
Background:
- Increasing demand for cardiac transplantation exceeds donor heart availability.
- Left ventricular assist devices (LVADs) offer a crucial alternative for end-stage heart failure.
- Technological refinements have significantly improved LVAD outcomes and patient quality of life.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the clinical utility of durable left ventricular assist devices (LVADs).
- To summarize recent evidence supporting the use of LVAD therapy in heart failure management.
Main Methods:
- Review of current literature on LVAD technology and clinical application.
- Analysis of recent evidence regarding adverse events and patient outcomes.
- Synthesis of data on surgical techniques, pump thrombosis, and stroke rates.
Main Results:
- Significant advancements in LVAD technology have led to improved patient quality of life.
- Less invasive surgical techniques and stringent blood pressure management have reduced adverse events like pump thrombosis and stroke.
- Overall survival rates have improved with continued advances in LVAD therapy.
Conclusions:
- LVAD therapy has shown significant improvements in survival for end-stage heart failure patients.
- Despite advancements, complication rates remain a challenge.
- Future research aims to further reduce adverse outcomes, potentially positioning LVADs as a primary alternative to heart transplantation.
Related Concept Videos
02:03Anatomy of the Circulatory System
98.0K
The human circulatory system consists of blood, blood vessels that carry blood away from the heart, around the body, and back to the heart, and the heart itself, which acts as a central pump. The systemic circuit supplies blood to the whole body, the coronary circuit supplies blood to the heart, and the pulmonary circuit supplies blood flow between the heart and lungs.
98.0K
01:29Heart Failure II: Pathophysiology
907
Systolic Heart Failure and Compensatory MechanismsSystolic heart failure (also termed HFrEF, Heart Failure with Reduced Ejection Fraction) is the most prevalent type of heart filure. It results in a decreased volume of blood being pumped from the ventricle. The aortic arch and carotid sinuses have baroreceptors that detect reduced blood pressure, triggering the sympathetic nervous system (SNS) to release epinephrine and norepinephrine. Initially, this response aims to boost heart rate and...
907
01:17Pathophysiology of Heart Failure
3.6K
Heart failure (HF) is a progressive syndrome involving ventricles that leads to inadequate cardiac output. It can be classified based on location and output or ejection fraction. Ejection fraction (EF) is an essential measurement in the diagnosis and surveillance of HF. Reduced EF corresponds to systolic heart failure (HFrEF). However, HF with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF) is becoming increasingly prevalent. Also known as diastolic HF, this form of HF is related to aging. The...
3.6K
01:27Heart Failure I: Introduction
877
Heart failure refers to a clinical syndrome caused by structural or functional cardiac disorders that prevent the heart from pumping an adequate amount of blood to meet the body's metabolic needs. This condition often arises from myocardial infarction or ischemia, leading to decreased cardiac output, reduced tissue perfusion, impaired gas exchange, fluid volume imbalance, and decreased functional ability.Heart failure can result from disruptions in the mechanisms that regulate cardiac output...
877
01:22Heart Failure VI: Adjunct Therapies
332
Additional therapies for treating patients with heart failure (HF) may include procedural interventions, supplemental oxygen, the management of sleep disorders, and nutritional therapy.Procedural InterventionsImplantable Cardioverter-Defibrillator: For patients at risk of life-threatening arrhythmias due to severe left ventricular dysfunction, an Implantable Cardioverter-Defibrillator (ICD) can detect and terminate these arrhythmias, preventing sudden cardiac death and improving survival rates.
332
01:22Heart Failure Drugs: Diuretics
963
Heart failure and kidney perfusion are interconnected in a complex way. Reduced renal perfusion and venous congestion are two significant factors that contribute to renal dysfunction in heart failure. The kidneys, primarily responsible for fluid balance in the body, are adversely affected due to compromised cardiac output and increased venous pressure. In response to reduced renal perfusion, the kidneys activate neurohumoral mechanisms to restore balance. However, these mechanisms can be...
963