title: Bridging to transplant: mechanical support for heart failure.
abstract: The success of cardiac transplantation is limited by the gap between the supply and demand of donor hearts. This limitation increases the risk of patient morbidity and mortality during the long waiting period. A variety of temporary support devices are in use as "bridges to transplant" to sustain cardiac function until a suitable organ donor is found. A device to permanently replace the failing heart is close to becoming a reality, as data from temporary support devices indicate that permanent devices are feasible. As reliability improves, the effectiveness of mechanical support may approach the survival rate of current transplant procedures. Successful permanent support may be an alternative to transplantation and may provide effective treatment for those patients with end-stage heart failure.
authors.forename: R L
authors.initials: RL
authors.lastname: Vargo
mesh_terms: D006333:Heart Failure / Q000451:nursing / Q000601:surgery*; D016027:Heart Transplantation; D006354:Heart, Artificial; D006353:Heart-Assist Devices; D006801:Humans; D011182:Postoperative Care; D014850:Waiting Lists