Gone With the Vane.

Abstract

Recent advances in mechanical circulatory support (MCS) devices and technology have provided life-saving treatment options for patients with advanced stage heart failure and other severe cardiac and respiratory complications. Some forms of MCS such as left ventricular assist devices (LVADs) provide longterm circulatory support to patients as a destination therapy option or as a temporary solution before heart transplantation. The Interagency Registry for Mechanically Assisted Circulatory Support estimates that 2500 patients receive MCS devices each year.1 The benefits of LVADs have been demonstrated, as marked by over 50% patient survival after 1 year with first-generation LVADs to >80% survival with more recent generations.1,2