Left Ventricular Assist Devices: A Bridge to the Future

Abstract

Mechanical circulatory assistance to aid the failing heart has become an integral part of cardiac surgery. Left ventricular assist devices provide circulatory support either to allow heart recovery or to serve as a bridge-to-transplantation. Current temporary devices also provide a glimpse of the future potential for permanently implanted devices. A variety of circulatory support devices are available for individual clinical situations. The devices currently available are described, with an emphasis on those available at Baylor University Medical Center and the early clinical experience with these devices.