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Mechanical Assist Devices
Author(s) -
McCarthy Patrick M.
Publication year - 2001
Publication title -
journal of cardiac surgery
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.428
H-Index - 58
eISSN - 1540-8191
pISSN - 0886-0440
DOI - 10.1111/j.1540-8191.2001.tb00506.x
Subject(s) - medicine , quality of life (healthcare) , heart transplantation , human heart , human life , transplantation , medical emergency , intensive care medicine , surgery , cardiology , nursing , philosophy , humanity , theology
A bstract Cardiac assist devices are the most complicated mechanical/electrical systems placed in human beings. They have fascinated heart specialists, the public, and the press for many years. On the positive side, they are awe‐inspiring examples of sophisticated technology. They provide hope that with technology, determination, and money, the result can be similar to the quest to land men on the moon and return them safely. The journey to mechanical support has advanced a long way this decade. Today we routinely implant life‐saving portable devices powered by small batteries that allow an acceptable quality of life for most patients and extend the life for many patients awaiting heart transplantation. Some patients even have recovery of their own heart function so that the device can be removed, and they may never need a transplant.