W8 Ventricular Assist Device Implantation
Before Procedure
Indications
• Postcardiotomy failure (left ventricular assist device [LVAD]):
• Postcardiotomy failure (bilateral ventricular assist device [BiVAD]):
• Evidence of elevated central venous pressure (CVP: 9 > 18 mm Hg) despite pulmonary afterload reduction
• Bridge to cardiac transplantation:
• Failure of optimal medical therapy that raises risk of compromised life or end-organ function while awaiting cardiac transplantation:
• Bridge to bridge: in conditions of cardiogenic shock where indications for cardiac transplantation are not yet met but are potentially attainable
• LVAD versus BiVAD:
• Destination therapy:
Indicated for those patients who meet above criteria for bridge to transplant LVAD candidacy but are not eligible for transplantation based upon: age, obesity, renal dysfunction that will not tolerate immunosuppressive agents, other added comorbidities that suggest that transplantation risk is unacceptable
Patients with advanced heart failure (HF) symptoms (class IIIB or IV) who are (must meet one criterion):
• In class III or IV for at least 14 days and dependent on IABP for 7 days and/or inotropes for 14 days; or
• Treated with angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors or beta-blockers for at least 30 days and found to be intolerant