Short- and long-term mechanical cardiac assistance

With the increase in high risk patients undergoing cardiac surgery and the substantial mortality among patients waiting for cardiac transplantation, the need for mechanical circulatory support is growing. Several devices are currently available, ranging from the intra-aortic balloon pump to fully im...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:International journal of artificial organs 2001-05, Vol.24 (5), p.263-273
Main Authors: Berdat, P A, Gygax, E, Nydegger, U, Carrel, T
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation - methods
Heart-Assist Devices
Humans
Life Support Care - methods
Time Factors
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Summary:With the increase in high risk patients undergoing cardiac surgery and the substantial mortality among patients waiting for cardiac transplantation, the need for mechanical circulatory support is growing. Several devices are currently available, ranging from the intra-aortic balloon pump to fully implantable ventricular assist devices. Each system has its own features, and proper patient selection as well as the timing of implantation is sometimes difficult. Algorithms for stepwise management in subgroups of patients remain controversial and the concepts of weaning patients after myocardial recovery during mechanical circulatory support need further evaluation for their long-term effects. Future identification of valuable prognostic and risk factors may help in decision-making and allow for improved survival of these often very ill patients. In this report we review the concepts of mechanical circulatory support at our institution with emphasis on a detailed overview of technical features of extracorporeal life support.
ISSN:0391-3988
1724-6040
DOI:10.1177/039139880102400504