Clinical application of the ventricular assist devices in Japan.

Abstract

From 1980 to March in 1989, there were 177 clinical application of ventricular assist device in Japan. Original diseases were 50% ischemic heart disease and 37% valvular disease. Duration of assistance ranged from one hour to 70 days. Thirty-one cases weaned from ventricular assistance and 11 cases became long-time survivors.