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Successful bridge to transplantation with Pierce Donachy (Thoratec) ventricular assist device
J O Defraigne1, O Detry, J C Demoulin
1Department of Cardiovascular Surgery and Cardiology, University Hospital, Sart-Tilman, Liège, Belgium.
Abstract:
Biventricular assistance with the Thoratec ventricular assist device was performed in a 48-year-old man waiting heart transplantation since 6 months. Indication for circulatory support was considered because of the development of progressive irreversible right heart failure with deterioration of the hepatic and renal functions. Orthotopic heart transplantation was performed after 13 days of circulatory support. No complications occurred during the assistance and in the posttransplant period. The patient was discharged on day 21 after transplantation. Five months after transplantation he is well and alive.