The Vented Electric Left Ventricular Assist Device: An Alternative to Cardiac Transplantation?

Abstract

Despite the acknowledged success of conventional cardiac transplantation, ‘artificial heart’ devices continue to be developed in an effort to address the problems caused by insufficient organ donations. While the use of such ‘hearts’ as a bridge to transplant is common practice in America, little research exists on their suitability as alternative permanent devices. In light of this, the Cardiac Surgery Unit in Oxford is implanting Thermo Cardiosystems vented electric left ventricular assist devices into a series of patients (who have been rejected from conventional transplant lists), to investigate the potential for permanent use. This article discusses the device, the validation still required, and the implications for physiotherapists. Despite the acknowledged success of conventional cardiac transplantation, ‘artificial heart’ devices continue to be developed in an effort to address the problems caused by insufficient organ donations. While the use of such ‘hearts’ as a bridge to transplant is common practice in America, little research exists on their suitability as alternative permanent devices. In light of this, the Cardiac Surgery Unit in Oxford is implanting Thermo Cardiosystems vented electric left ventricular assist devices into a series of patients (who have been rejected from conventional transplant lists), to investigate the potential for permanent use. This article discusses the device, the validation still required, and the implications for physiotherapists.