Growing Long-Term Use of LVADs

Researchers looked at the clinical records of 131 consecutive recipients of a LVAD as a bridge-to-transplantation, and found that despite the high-risk status of the patients, the overall mortality rate remained low at 50%. These results could have implications for the funding of artificial heart programs whereby more patients in the high-risk category would be candidates for mechanical assistance.

"The results continue to emphasize that patient selection is the predominant criteria for success in artificial heart programs, but that high-risk patients can be helped in experienced centers,” noted author Dr. Vivec Rao, surgical director of heart transplantation and mechanical circulatory assistance at the Toronto General Hospital.




Related Links:
Toronto General Hospital