Permanent mechanical replacement of the left ventricle.

ABSTRACT

Patients with congestive heart failure have a poor prognosis and their care is expensive. Treatment with the HeartMate left ventricular assist device (Thermo Cardiosystems Inc, Woburn, MA) has indicated that life for such patients can be prolonged, quality of life increased, and cost of care decreased. Although currently approved only as a bridge to transplantation, the HeartMate and other such devices may one day offer permanent support of the left ventricle as an alternative to cardiac transplantation.