Implantation of the Thoratec Ventricular Assist Device

Abstract

The Thoratec ventricular assist device (VAD) (Thoratec Corporation, Pleasanton, CA) has been extensively used as the standard therapy for bridge-to-transplant and postcardiotomy failure to wean from cardiopulmonary bypass.1 Recent clinical data suggest that myocardial recovery and improved cardiac function occur in some patients over a period of weeks to months of mechanical ventricular support, allowing removal of the VAD.2 Long-term studies of patients with the Thoratec VAD who recovered and were weaned from the device showed that 1- and 5-year survival rates were essentially identical to VAD patients who received a heart transplant.