Temporary mechanical support of left ventricular failure following open heart surgery.
Patients coming to open heart surgery with advanced cardiac dysfunction may require mechanical cardiac support to avoid life-threatening low cardiac output in the postoperative period. 15 patients who could not be withdrawn from cardiopulmonary bypass because of low cardiac output were supported with a left heart bypass system (left atrium to ascending aorta). Ten were ultimately separated from the device, 6 were dismissed from the hospital and 4 remain well (the longest 2.6 years postoperative). A major asset of the device is that thoracic reentry is not required when support is discontinued.
D001243:Assisted Circulation / Q000379:methods*; D002302:Cardiac Output; D006348:Cardiac Surgical Procedures / Q000379:methods*; D006352:Heart Ventricles; D006801:Humans; D011182:Postoperative Care; D012770:Shock, Cardiogenic / Q000517:prevention & control*