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Updated: Mar 13, 2026
08:49
Use of Two Intracorporeal Ventricular Assist Devices As a Total Artificial Heart
Published on: May 11, 2018
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Destination Ventricular Assist Device: A Single-Centre Experience With a Newly Approved Therapy for Advanced Heart
Matanyahu Rubinstein1, Steven Lim1, Janelle McLean1
1Department of Cardiology Alfred Health, Melbourne, Vic, Australia.
Heart, Lung & Circulation
|March 11, 2026
Summary
Destination therapy (DT) ventricular assist device (VAD) implantation offers a viable treatment for advanced heart failure in Australia. This approach significantly improves survival and quality of life for patients ineligible for transplantation.
Area of Science:
- Cardiology
- Medical Devices
- Heart Failure Management
Background:
- Ventricular assist device (VAD) destination therapy (DT) is a new upfront treatment in Australia for advanced heart failure.
- It provides an option for patients unsuitable for cardiac transplantation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the mortality and morbidity associated with VAD implantation for advanced heart failure.
- To determine the effectiveness of DT in the Australian healthcare context.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective analysis of VAD recipients from 2012-2024 at a single center.
- Collected data included patient and VAD characteristics, hemodynamic measurements, quality of life scores, and survival outcomes.
Main Results:
- 18 patients received VADs, with a median Interagency Registry for Mechanically Assisted Circulatory Support profile of 2.
- Median survival post-discharge was 5.9 years, with significant improvements in heart failure symptoms, quality of life scores, 6-minute walk distance, and hemodynamic parameters.
- Transplant ineligibility was due to various biopsychosocial factors.
Conclusions:
- Destination therapy VAD is a feasible option for transplant-ineligible patients with advanced heart failure in Australia.
- VAD DT is linked to considerable improvements in survival and quality of life.
- Future research should aim to optimize remote monitoring and patient selection for better long-term outcomes.
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