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Posted on Wednesday, November 18, 2009 The machines may just take over...and that, for heart transplant patients or those who can't get a transplant but still need mechanical intervention to survive, may be a good thing.
Traditionally, the only therapy for patients who have advanced heart failure was a transplant. However, transplantation is sometimes an inadequate option in light of the large number of potential candidates, lack of donors, and the coexisting conditions that make most potential candidates ineligible for transplantation. That's when a patient's only hopes are ventricular assist devices, or heart pumps.
University Hospitals Case Medical Center's Dr. James Fang authored an editorial (published today) in the NEJM on a study that compares current heart pumps that have been approved for use primarily as a bridge to transplant or as destination therapy. In summary, the study compares new and old heart devices as well as the technological advances specifically with the HeartMate II.
Dr. Fang can elaborate on his independent review of the completed two-year study that found the new device has proven more durable, smaller in size, quieter and most importantly has been associated with far less complications. Dr. Fang can talk about the impact of the study as this, "could be a major advancement and development in the field of heart transplantation. This could have significant implications for the use of devices for permanent therapy for heart failure, particularly for patients not succeeding with that therapy or who are not eligible for transplant.
"This could prove to be an incredible option for heart failure patients."
***Dr. Fang is available for phone interview today***
NEJM editorial
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