Explantation of a mechanical assist device: assessment of myocardial recovery

J Card Surg. 2004 Jan-Feb;19(1):47-50. doi: 10.1111/j.0886-0440.2004.04010.x.

Abstract

Reliable predictors of myocardial recovery post-mechanical assist device implantation are not well defined. We report the case of a 29-year-old woman with refractory congestive heart failure due to acute myocarditis of unknown etiology. The patient was supported with a HeartMate (Thoratec Corp., Woburn, MI) left ventricular assist device for 100 days showing improvement in clinical status. Hemodynamic monitoring, dobutamine stress echocardiography, and cardiopulmonary testing were performed to identify myocardial recovery. Improvements in myocardial reserve, hemodynamic parameters, and myocardial oxygen consumption were identified prior to explantation. The patient was successfully explanted. This case confirms that myocardial recovery is feasible with the use of a mechanical assist device. This article describes our current left ventricular assist device weaning protocol.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Device Removal*
  • Echocardiography, Stress
  • Female
  • Follow-Up Studies
  • Heart Failure / diagnostic imaging
  • Heart Failure / therapy*
  • Heart Function Tests
  • Heart-Assist Devices*
  • Hemodynamics / physiology*
  • Humans
  • Myocardial Contraction / physiology
  • Sensitivity and Specificity
  • Severity of Illness Index
  • Stroke Volume
  • Treatment Outcome
  • Ventricular Remodeling / physiology*