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Patients supported for over 4 years with left ventricular assist devices
Author(s) -
Potapov Evgenij V.,
Jurmann Michael J.,
Drews Thorsten,
Pasic Miralem,
Loebe Matthias,
Weng Yuguo,
Hetzer Roland
Publication year - 2006
Publication title -
european journal of heart failure
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 5.149
H-Index - 133
eISSN - 1879-0844
pISSN - 1388-9842
DOI - 10.1016/j.ejheart.2006.02.003
Subject(s) - medicine , ventricular assist device , heart transplantation , transplantation , heart failure , cardiology , bridging (networking) , intensive care medicine , computer network , computer science
Ventricular assist device implantation has become an established therapy in adults and children for bridging to heart transplantation or to aid myocardial recovery. Recently, implantation of left ventricular assist devices as definitive therapy has been recognized as a better option than pharmacological treatment in patients who are not candidates for heart transplantation. This study presents our institution's experience with five patients successfully supported by two different left ventricular assist devices for over 4 years. This unique experience shows that left ventricular assist device support can be extended beyond 4 years with good quality of life and low risk, making it a good alternative for non‐transplant candidates.