The role of long-term mechanical circulatory support in the treatment of end-stage heart failure

Abstract

Heart failure is a clinical syndrome of multifactorial aetiology with typical symptoms and diverse prevalence depending on the world region, reaching more than 10% in the population over 70 years of age. The prognosis, in spite of a dynamic improvement in medical therapy, remains poor. The only treatment for these patients is heart transplantation, however, its availability is highly limited because of the shortage of donor organs. Mechanical circulatory support can offer an alternative treatment for this patient cohort. In this review the authors discuss the present indications for, as well as results and complications of different types of long-term mechanical circulatory support. The long-term survival in patients receiving this therapy, in spite of many complication, is much better than in those receiving medical treatment. The use of mechanical circulatory support is an established treatment option for many patients with end-stage heart failure. The most important issue for the cardiologist is to identify patients eligible for this therapy in order to give them a chance for a longer life and better quality of life.

Alterated gene expression in dilated cardiomyopathy after left ventricular assist device support by bioinformatics analysis

“…Heart transplantation is the best treatment for advanced heart failure caused by DCM. LVAD is increasingly being used as a bridge to transplantation, recovery, or destination therapy (2,3,15) and is a sustainable alternative to heart transplantation. Implantation of LVAD can slow down the progress of heart failure and improve the symptoms of heart failure.…”

“…However, a shortage of heart donors increases waiting times for patients to undergo heart transplantation. Left ventricular assist device (LVAD) is becoming a bridge to heart transplantation or a destination therapy for patients with DCM and end-stage congestive heart failure (CHF) (2,3). The use of LVAD significantly decreases mortality and improves the quality of life of patients with CHF (4,5).…”