Bridging to transplant: Equal extended survival for patients undergoing LVAD support when compared with long-term medical management

Sanjay M. Mehta, John P. Boehmer, Walter E. Pae, Thomas X. Aufiero, Dwight Davis, William S. Pierce

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

14 Scopus citations

Abstract

Implantation of ventricular assist devices (VADs) to support patients awaiting cardiac transplant has become an effective means of assuring that these critically ill patients survive to transplant. The authors undertook a retrospective analysis of 115 consecutive patients listed for cardiac transplant from January 1992 through June 1995. A VAD was implanted in 19 of these patients. Survival was calculated by intent to treat from the time of transplant listing through heart transplant, if it occurred. The analysis demonstrates that the patients who underwent implantation of a VAD as bridge to transplant had survival times similar to those of patients with medical management. These survival statistics demonstrate the utility of VADs as an effective means to bridge critically ill patients until a suitable donor organ becomes available. In addition, as previous studies have suggested for acute results, earlier implementation and better patient selection may lead to improved long-term survival.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)M406-M410
JournalASAIO Journal
Volume42
Issue number5
DOIs
StatePublished - Jan 1 1996

All Science Journal Classification (ASJC) codes

  • Biophysics
  • Bioengineering
  • Biomaterials
  • Biomedical Engineering

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