Assisted circulation

During the past decade, the safety and efficacy of temporary mechanical circulatory support have been demonstrated by investigators using various ventricular support systems. Temporary ventricular support is appropriate for two groups of patients: 1) those in post-cardiotmy cardiogenic shock in whom recovery of ventricular function might be expected, and 2) those in whom ventricular recovery is not likely and for whom a bridge to transplantation is required. It is possible that patients in the first group could be reclassified into the second if ventricular function does not improve, and the patient is otherwise a suitable candidate for cardiac transplantation. With continued clinical experience in the use of temporary support devices, remaining problems are being addressed so that this technology can be more widely used. These temporary applications also serve as springboards for the development of more permanent implantable electrically powered devices that are required for some patients with endstage heart disease.