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Mechanical circulatory support towards the permanent implantation
D Loisance1, D Tixier, J P Mazzucotelli
1CNRS URA 1431 Therapeutiques Substitutives du Coeur et des Vaisseaux, Association Claude Bernard, Groupe d'Etude des Transplantations Cardiaques, Hopital Henri Mondor, Creteil, France.
Summary
The Novacor wearable left ventricular assist device (LVAS) enables patients with cardiogenic shock to return home while awaiting heart transplantation, improving quality of life. This mechanical support represents a significant advancement in cardiac care.
Area of Science:
- Cardiology
- Biomedical Engineering
- Mechanical Circulatory Support
Background:
- Cardiogenic shock necessitates urgent cardiac transplantation.
- Left ventricular assist devices (LVAS) offer mechanical support for end-stage heart failure.
- Wearable LVAS technology aims to improve patient mobility and quality of life.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the safety and efficacy of the Novacor wearable LVAS in patients awaiting heart transplantation.
- To assess the impact of the Novacor LVAS on patient quality of life and ability to be discharged home.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective analysis of seven patients implanted with the Novacor wearable LVAS between March 1993 and November 1995.
- Patients presented with cardiogenic shock unresponsive to medical management and were referred for urgent transplantation.
- Outcomes assessed included post-implantation complications, transplantation status, and ability to be discharged.
Main Results:
- Six male and one female patient, with a mean age of 34, received the Novacor LVAS.
- Six out of seven patients experienced no major post-implantation incidents.
- Five patients underwent successful heart transplantation on an elective basis.
- Two patients were discharged home to await transplantation, indicating improved quality of life.
Conclusions:
- The Novacor wearable LVAS represents a significant technological advancement in mechanical circulatory support.
- Patients supported by the Novacor LVAS can be discharged home, enhancing their quality of life while awaiting transplantation.
- This technology opens possibilities for permanent implantation as an alternative to cardiac transplantation.