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Mechanical Circulatory Support Devices in the Older Adults
Bhoumesh Patel1, Robert P Davis2, Siavosh Saatee3
1Division of Cardiac Anesthesiology, Department of Anesthesiology, Yale School of Medicine, 333 Cedar Street, P.O. Box 208051, New Haven, CT 06520-8051, USA.
Clinics in Geriatric Medicine
|November 17, 2024
Summary
Older adults are increasingly receiving mechanical circulatory support (MCS) devices. Careful patient selection can lead to excellent recovery, demonstrating that age should not be a barrier to advanced medical interventions.
Area of Science:
- Cardiovascular Medicine
- Geriatrics
- Biomedical Engineering
Background:
- Mechanical circulatory support (MCS) is advancing, expanding eligibility to older adults.
- Older populations were previously excluded from MCS due to higher mortality risks.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the role and outcomes of MCS in older adult patients.
- To advocate for age-inclusivity in MCS candidacy.
Main Methods:
- Review of current literature on MCS in older adults.
- Analysis of outcomes based on careful patient selection criteria.
Main Results:
- While mortality is higher in older adults, selected patients experience significant recovery.
- MCS can be a valuable therapeutic option for carefully chosen elderly individuals.
Conclusions:
- Age alone should not disqualify patients from MCS consideration.
- Continued scientific progress in medicine should not be limited by patient age.
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