Mechanical Support After Cardiac Surgery

Abstract

Mechanical circulatory support for low cardiac output after cariac surgery was first attempted in 1962. Since then, many ventricular assist devices have been developed and employed. The following is a discussion of the history, demographics, inications, and devices used for mechanical circulatory suport in this setting. lntra-aortic balloon pulsation, pulsatile verus non-pulsatile flow, volume bypass, roller and centrifugal pumps, extracorporeal membrane oxygenation, and imlantable devices are reviewed. Early postoperative care, reovery and weaning from mechanical circulatory support, and the special issues that relate to biventricular failure and control of right-sided ventricular function, as well as anticoagulation, and sepsis are addressed.