[Ischemic cardiomyopathy--transplantation and bridging with mechanical assist systems]

Z Kardiol. 1998:87 Suppl 2:181-7. doi: 10.1007/s003920050559.
[Article in German]

Abstract

The number of patients with ischemic cardiomyopathy and accompanying chronic pump failure of the left and/or right ventricle has tripled within the last 10 years. Ischemic cardiomyopathy represents numerically the greatest share as the reason for illness in heart transplantation today; their results are not different for patients following cardiac transplantation due to primary cardiomyopathy. Since heart transplantation has become a clinical routine method today, the discrepancy between the number of the available donor organs and the number of the needed organs becomes more and more obvious. The longer waiting lists and the longer waiting times are responsible for the increased use of bridging systems. Today the long-term results after heart transplantation are not worse in patients after bridging. With more experience in the field of mechanical support, better devices, and proved indications, frequent improvement of prerequisites for transplantation can be achieved in this group of patients. The implantable ventricles give the patient the change of full mobilization and, therefore, high clinical acceptance of this management can be registered.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Contraindications
  • Heart Transplantation*
  • Heart-Assist Devices*
  • Humans
  • Myocardial Ischemia / surgery*
  • Prognosis