Background: Nearly 1000 permanent ventricular assist devices (VADs) are implanted in patients with severe congestive heart failure in Germany each year. VADs are miniaturized centrifugal pumps that generate continuous blood flow; they are powered and controlled through a cable that passes through the skin. Para- corporeal systems are only rarely implanted, usually in children.
Methods: In this selective review of the literature, including guidelines and registry data, we discuss the indications, therapeutic effects, and complications of permanently implantable cardiac support systems.
Results: The optimal time for VAD implantation cannot be precisely defined. A comparative assessment of the various available systems is not possible, as no randomized trials have been performed on this topic. Registry data indicate that 69% to 81% of patients survive one year after VAD implantation, which is signifi- cantly better than the natural course of (conservatively treated) severe congestive heart failure. The distance patients are able to walk is 129 to 220 m longer at six months, depending on the system implanted. Scores on the EQ-5D health status questionnaire are 28 to 37 points better at six months. The potential severe compli- cations include infection, right-heart failure, hemorrhage, pump thrombosis, stroke, and death.
Conclusion: A VAD system can be implanted as an alternative to cardiac transplan- tation or as a bridging treatment until the patient can be listed for transplantation and receive the transplant. Because of the organ s , only a minority of VAD patients ever receive a transplant.