Assisted circulation: experience with the Novacor^®Left Ventricular Assist System

Abstract

Surgical therapy for the treatment of heart failure is a relatively young solution to a problem that has overwhelmed civilizations dating back to the First Dynasty. Despite centuries of enormous multidisciplinary medical and technological advance, nearly 2000 people in the USA died of cardiovascular disease every day in 2006, averaging one death every 35 seconds, and claiming more lives than the next four leading causes of death combined. In 2007, one in 30 female deaths will be from breast cancer, while one in 2.6 will be from cardiovascular disease. The prevalence of heart failure in our population is a staggering 5 million in the USA and 6.5 million in Europe per year. Furthermore, based on the 44-year follow-up of the National Heart, Blood, and Lungs Institute Framingham Heart Study, 80% of men and 70% of women under the age of 65 years who have heart failure will die within 8 years. The focus of this article will be to review the history and future of the Novacor Left Ventricular Assist System as it relates to the failing heart; the story of how the innovator, the researcher, the engineer and the surgeon have come together to offer a surgical solution to a medical problem of inconceivable scope.

Role of protein phosphatase-1 inhibitor-1 in cardiac physiology and pathophysiology

“…Even though current treatments, such as β-blockers and Angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors have improved the overall prognosis of heart failure, the 5-year mortality rate still remains at an alarming 50%. Furthermore, 80% of men and 70% of women under the age of 65, suffering from heart failure, appear to die within eight years [2]. In light of the growing prevalence and detrimental effects of heart failure, the identification of contributing subcellular mechanisms has been the focus of intense research, in the hope of identifying more efficacious therapeutic targets.…”

Role of PP1 in the regulation of Ca cycling in cardiac physiology and pathophysiology

“…In fact, 5.3 million Americans were afflicted with heart failure in 2005 (1). According to the 44-year-follow-up of the Framingham Heart Study, 80% of men and 70% of women under the age of 65 suffering from heart failure will die within eight years (2). These statistics are a clear indication of ineffective therapeutic agents.…”