title: Long-term implantable left ventricular assist devices: out-of-hospital program.
abstract: The assist devices demonstrate the safety and reliability of these systems in the management of end-stage cardiac failure, not only in an in-hospital setting, but also in the cohort of OOH patients. The OOH option has led to a significant improvement in the quality of life of those patients. However, VADs are still associated with a considerable number of complications. The newly introduced fully implantable system (LionHeart) has reduced significantly the system-related infection complications. Further miniaturization of the systems might reduce the comorbidities and increase the acceptance of this therapeutic option in the management of end-stage cardiac failure.
authors.affiliation: Heart Center North Rhine-Westphalia, Ruhr University of Bochum, Bad Oeynhausen, Germany. abanayosy@hdz-nrw.de
authors.forename: Aly
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: el-Banayosy
authors.forename: Reiner
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Körfer
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000319:Adrenergic beta-Antagonists / Q000627:therapeutic use; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000553:Ambulatory Care; D000806:Angiotensin-Converting Enzyme Inhibitors / Q000627:therapeutic use; D004232:Diuretics / Q000627:therapeutic use; D004867:Equipment Design; D005260:Female; D005858:Germany; D006353:Heart-Assist Devices; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D010353:Patient Education as Topic; D018579:Patient Selection; D011183:Postoperative Complications; D013997:Time Factors; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D018487:Ventricular Dysfunction, Left / Q000628:therapy*
chemical_list: D000319:Adrenergic beta-Antagonists; D000806:Angiotensin-Converting Enzyme Inhibitors; D004232:Diuretics