scholarly journals Perspectives from mechanical circulatory support coordinators on the pre-implantation decision process for destination therapy left ventricular assist devices

Heart & Lung ◽  
2015 ◽  
Vol 44 (3) ◽  
pp. 219-224 ◽  
Author(s):  
Colleen K. McIlvennan ◽  
Daniel D. Matlock ◽  
Madhav P. Narayan ◽  
Carolyn Nowels ◽  
Jocelyn S. Thompson ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Decision Process ◽  
Mechanical Circulatory Support ◽  
Left Ventricular ◽  
Ventricular Assist Devices ◽  
Circulatory Support ◽  
Destination Therapy ◽  
Left Ventricular Assist Devices ◽  
Ventricular Assist ◽  
Assist Devices ◽  
Left Ventricular Assist

Development of Mechanical Circulatory Support Devices: 55 Years and Counting

2021 ◽  
Vol 32 (4) ◽  
pp. 424-433
Author(s):  
Emalie Petersen
Keyword(s):  
Mechanical Circulatory Support ◽  
Left Ventricular ◽  
Ventricular Assist Devices ◽  
Circulatory Support ◽  
Left Ventricular Assist Devices ◽  
Ventricular Assist ◽  
Assist Devices ◽  
Left Ventricular Assist ◽  
Mechanical Circulatory Support Devices ◽  
Support Devices

Heart failure is a leading cause of morbidity and mortality in the United States. Treatment of this condition increasingly involves mechanical circulatory support devices. Even with optimal medical therapy and use of simple cardiac devices, heart failure often leads to reduced quality of life and a shortened life span, prompting exploration of more advanced treatment approaches. Left ventricular assist devices constitute an effective alternative to cardiac transplantation. These devices are not without complications, however, and their use requires careful cooperative management by the patient’s cardiology team and primary care provider. Left ventricular assist devices have undergone many technological advancements since they were first introduced, and they will continue to evolve. This article reviews the history of different types of left ventricular assist devices, appropriate patient selection, and common complications in order to increase health professionals’ familiarity with these treatment options.

scholarly journals Current Trends in Implantable Left Ventricular Assist Devices

2011 ◽  
Vol 2011 ◽  
pp. 1-9 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jens Garbade ◽  
Hartmuth B. Bittner ◽  
Markus J. Barten ◽  
Friedrich-Wilhelm Mohr
Keyword(s):  
Heart Failure ◽  
Selection Process ◽  
Left Ventricular ◽  
Ventricular Assist Devices ◽  
Circulatory Support ◽  
Destination Therapy ◽  
Left Ventricular Assist Devices ◽  
Ventricular Assist ◽  
Assist Devices ◽  
Left Ventricular Assist

The shortage of appropriate donor organs and the expanding pool of patients waiting for heart transplantation have led to growing interest in alternative strategies, particularly in mechanical circulatory support. Improved results and the increased applicability and durability with left ventricular assist devices (LVADs) have enhanced this treatment option available for end-stage heart failure patients. Moreover, outcome with newer pumps have evolved to destination therapy for such patients. Currently, results using nonpulsatile continuous flow pumps document the evolution in outcomes following destination therapy achieved subsequent to the landmark Randomized Evaluation of Mechanical Assistance for the Treatment of Congestive Heart Failure Trial (REMATCH), as well as the outcome of pulsatile designed second-generation LVADs. This review describes the currently available types of LVADs, their clinical use and outcomes, and focuses on the patient selection process.

scholarly journals Fatal Flaw – Driveline Fracture as a Rare But Serious Complication Of Mechanical Circulatory Support With Left Ventricular Assist Devices

2017 ◽  
Author(s):  
Yuri Boyechko ◽  
Thomas Tribble ◽  
Maya Guglin
Keyword(s):  
Heart Transplant ◽  
Mechanical Circulatory Support ◽  
Rare Complication ◽  
Left Ventricular ◽  
Ventricular Assist Devices ◽  
Circulatory Support ◽  
Left Ventricular Assist Devices ◽  
Ventricular Assist ◽  
Assist Devices ◽  
Left Ventricular Assist

Background Patients with advanced heart failure have seen decreased mortality and improved quality of life due to mechanical circulatory support with left ventricular assist devices (LVAD). Regardless of such outcomes, many complications still exist and remain a significant cause of morbidity and mortality. Our purpose is to study the prevalence, clinical course, and outcomes specifically of patients with LVAD driveline (DL) fractures. Methods This single-center, retrospective review included all patients at our institution who had continuous flow LVADs and experienced DL fracture/injury from January 2012 - December 2015. Results Thirteen of 110 LVAD patients (11.8%) had DL fractures (Table 1). Time from implant to time of fracture was 23+/-16.5 months. The majority of fractures were external (62%), due to trauma (i.e. cut during dressing change). Internal injury, proximal to the cutaneous exit site, occurred in 38% of patients, usually due to unknown causes. Only one patient (7.6%) survived on LVAD support. One survived LVAD explant, two underwent pump exchange, and four others underwent heart transplantation. The remaining 5 expired. All patients with untreated internal fractures died (60%). Conclusions Driveline fracture is a rare complication of LVAD and is often lethal when it occurs. Only one patient in our cohort survived without the need for heart transplant, LVAD exchange, or explant. Internal driveline fractures portend a very high mortality. Driveline fracture, especially one that cannot be promptly repaired or if internal fracture is suspected, requires immediate pump exchange or listing for heart transplant.

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