The HeartMate left ventricular assist system. Overview and 12-year experience

Cardiac transplantation has become a widely accepted option for treating end-stage heart failure. As the waiting time for donor hearts grows, new generations of left ventricular assist systems are being developed for patients awaiting transplantation. Great strides have been made in the study and use of such devices, both as temporary support and (perhaps ultimately) as permanent implants. The Texas Heart Institute has been involved with the development of the HeartMate left ventricular assist systems, which have been used almost exclusively as a temporary bridge. Herein we review our 12-year clinical experience with the HeartMate left ventricular assist systems as a bridge to transplantation and as a long-term circulatory assist device that aids in cardiac repair. Trials of the HeartMate as a permanent support system for patients with end-stage heart failure who are not suitable candidates for transplantation are currently under way.