Nine year experience with the clinical use of total artificial hearts as cardiac support devices.
One hundred sixteen total artificial hearts (TAH) were implanted in 113 patients by 29 centers between April 4, 1969 and March 1, 1988. Five were permanent and 111 were temporary implants (3 patients received second implants). Eight different types of TAHs have been used. The ages ranged from 15 to 62 (mean age: permanent 57, temporary 42). Sixty-seven percent (72/108) of patients receiving the TAH for temporary support were transplanted; 6 patients were waiting for a transplant. Forty-seven percent (34/72) were alive after transplantation. Of the 92 patients receiving the Jarvik TAH (the most frequently used device) as a temporary device, 67% (62/92) were transplanted (6 currently supported) and 55% were alive after transplantation; 85% were back to work, with a normal life-style. The thromboembolic rate for patients who received the device as a temporary support was 10%, with 3 patients having residual sequellae. No deaths resulted from mechanical failure. Experience to date suggests that the use of the TAH as a temporary device can be beneficial if patients are carefully selected.
Joyce
L D
LD
Minneapolis Heart Institute, MN 55407.
Johnson
K E
KE
Cabrol
C
C
Griffith
B P
BP
Copeland
J G
JG
DeVries
W C
WC
Keon
W J
WJ
Wolner
E
E
Frazier
O H
OH
Bucherl
E S
ES
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000925:Anticoagulants / Q000627:therapeutic use; D005069:Evaluation Studies as Topic; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D016027:Heart Transplantation; D006354:Heart, Artificial / Q000009:adverse effects; D006801:Humans; D008875:Middle Aged; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D013923:Thromboembolism / Q000209:etiology; D014184:Transplantation, Homologous / Q000401:mortality
D000925:Anticoagulants