Purpose: To study and evaluate the current use of the Heart Mate® 1000 IP LVAD at the Cleveland Clinic Foundation. Methods: Between Dec/91 and Sept/94 the Heart Mate pneumatic LVAD was implanted in 33 severely shocked patients. Multiple hemodynamic measurements were done in the OR during implant, 24 hours later and just before the heart transplant. Numbers are presented in mean (+/- standard deviation) and compared by paired T-test. Clinical outcome and complications are discussed. Results: Hemodynamic parameters markedly improved after device implantation (statistically significant). Support time ranged from 0 to 153 days (mean 76 in the group that reached the transplant). There were 9 (15%) deaths due to right ventricular failure, sepsis and multiple organ failure. No thromboembolic events occurred. Conclusion: Treatment with the Heart Mate improved clinical outcome in high risk patients. The results encourage its application as a new alternative therapy to heart failure.
Assisted circulation; Heart-assist devices; Artificial implants; Myocardial ischemia; Congestive cardiomyopathy; Hemodynamics; Left ventricular dysfunction; Heart transplantation; Postoperative complications
