[Acute and chronic mechanical circulatory support]

Mechanical circulatory support and mechanical unloading of the left ventricle become more and more routine in clinical treatment regimens of both acute and chronic heart failure. Along with increasing availability of different cardiac assist systems one can adjust the degree of support according to the clinical situation. We report about our experience in the period between January 1994 and May 1995 with following assist systems: Hemopump, centrifugal pumps, Medos, HIAVAD and Novacor. We implanted those devices in 21 patients out of following indications: postinfarct--cardiac failure (CF), postcardiotomy CF, elective postcardiotomy support, myocarditis CF and "bridge" to transplant. Ten patients survived the period of mechanical support and could be weaned successfully. Circulatory support was sufficient in all cases, indication, time of implantation, anticoagulation and prevention of infections are discussed.