February 19, 2010European Journal of Heart Failure178 citationsOpen Access
View Full PaperPatient Selection for Left Ventricular Assist Devices
Key Result
Left ventricular assist devices are viable options for severe heart failure, and this review summarizes recent predictors of poor outcomes to guide optimal patient selection.
Structured PICO
What are the predictors of poor outcomes and the optimal patient selection criteria for left ventricular assist device (LVAD) therapy in advanced heart failure?
P
Population
Patients with severe/advanced heart failure
I
Intervention
Implantable left ventricular assist devices (LVADs)
O
Outcome
Patient selection criteria and predictors of poor outcomes
This review provides an overview of patient selection and predictors of poor outcomes for LVAD therapy in the management of end-stage heart failure.
Abstract
Heart transplantation (HTx) improves symptoms and prolongs life in advanced heart failure (HF), but organ supply is limited. In recent years, mechanical circulatory support and specifically implantable left ventricular assist devices (LVADs) have undergone technical improvements, and outcomes have improved dramatically. Left ventricular assist devices are now viable options for patients with severe HF as bridge to transplantation, destination therapy, or as bridge to recovery. Many believe that LVADs may soon provide outcomes similar to, or better than, HTx, launching a new era of end-stage HF management. The key to improving outcomes is patient selection, but the field is changing rapidly and guidelines and consensus are limited. This review summarizes recent reports of predictors of poor outcomes and provides an overview of selection for LVAD therapy.