Author/Editor     Radovančević, B; Vrtovec, B; Radovančević, R; Gregorič, I
Title     Mechanical circulatory support for advanced heart failure
Type     članek
Source     Eur Surg
Vol. and No.     Letnik 23, št. 4
Publication year     2004
Volume     str. 213-6
Language     eng
Abstract     Background: Mechanical circulatory support with left ventricular assist devices (LVADs) offers a safe and effective alternative to medical therapy for patients with advanced heart failure. Methods: Overview about LVAD therapy. Results: LVAD therapy in this population may allow better optimization and more efficient implementation of medical therapy regimens. There is even evidence that in some cases LVAD therapy may prevent or reverse heart failure by inducing neuroendocrine modulation and reverse remodelling. Conclusions: LVAD therapy appears to be superior to medical therapy in improving outcomes and, with continued technological improvement, should result in better patient mobility and quality of life. Recent clinical trials suggest that mechanical circulatory support will be used in the future as a bridge not only to transplantation but also to recovery and as destination therapy.
Descriptors     HEART FAILURE, CONGESTIVE
HEART-ASSIST DEVICES
TREATMENT OUTCOME