Isolated permanent right ventricular assist device implantation with the HeartWare continuous-flow ventricular assist device: first results from the European Registry for Patients with Mechanical Circulatory Support

Isolated right ventricular (RV) dysfunction with preserved left ventricular function is difficult to treat and associated with high mortality. Temporary devices for right ventricular support [right ventricular assist device (RVAD)] are available and have been used for short-term right heart assistance. In some patients, RV function does not recover and long-term devices are needed. Recently, isolated RVAD implantation with a permanent HeartWare HeartWare ventricular assist device (HVAD) device has been reported in patients with acute RV infarction and chronic graft failure. However, isolated implantation on the right side remains rare and is still an off-label use for this pump. To gather European data, we queried the European Registry for Patients with Mechanical Circulatory Support (EUROMACS) database, in which procedures and outcome data for patients receiving mechanical circulatory support are registered.