Results of mechanical ventricular assist in bridging to cardiac transplantation

ABSTRACT

Five patients who were cardiac transplantation candidates were supported with a simple mechanical assist system when unresponsive low cardiac output developed and an appropriate donor heart was not available. The periods of support ranged from 2Vi to 15 days with a simple left ventricular assist device in four patients and a biventricular assist device in one. Three patients died prior to transplantation and two were discharged following cardiac transplantation and remain in good health. Two patients were supported for five and 15 days, respectively, by continuous flow with pulsatility and have shown recovery and maintenance of systemic organ functions.