Improved selection criteria are necessary to avoid early failures, and much more follow-up and analyses of data are mandatory. However, the operation may become a biologic bridge, or even alternative, to transplantation.

No abstract

No abstract

The HeartMate device provided excellent hemodynamic support with low device-related thromboembolic events. Infection and reliability of the device contributed to the high cost of therapy. These areas need to be improved for the left ventricular assist device to attain its goal as a viable alternative to transplantation.

We provide data supporting that the neurohormonal axis markedly improves after HeartMate implantation, providing biochemical confirmation of the improvement in hemodynamic status.