Patient management important for long-term support beyond 5 years in the BTT: republication of the article published in the Japanese Journal of Artificial Organs.

Abstract

Heart transplantation is considered to be the best treatment for severe heart failure refractory to medical therapy, improving patients' survival and quality of life (QOL). However, the number of donors is smaller than the number of registered applicants for heart transplantation, which increases every year, and the waiting period for heart transplantation has been extended to more than 1700 days by 2022. Since 2011, reimbursement for the implantable left ventricular assist device (iLVAD) was established. The numbers of the iLVAD patients have been increasing year by year. Patients are managed at home with an iLVAD and can live with their families and even return to work, depending on the situation. On the other hand, self-management at home, including caregivers, is important for a safe life. Home management beyond 5 years is becoming more common due to long waiting time for transplant. This article outlines the important aspects of patient management for long-term support. This review was created based on a translation of the Japanese review written in the Japanese Journal of Artificial Organs in 2023 (Vol. 52, No. 1, pp. 62-66), with some modifications.