Nutrition Management in Mechanical Circulatory Support

Heart failure is a devastating progressive disease process that is rising in incidence throughout the world. For patients with end-stage heart failure, orthotopic heart transplantation had been the only therapeutic option. Unfortunately, the number of patients requiring such therapy far exceeds the number of available organs. Recent advancements in technology have made implantable cardiac assist devices a reality. Outcomes with these devices are superior to maximal medical therapy and may serve either as a bridge to the availability of a donor organ or as “destination” therapy for the patient with end-stage heart failure. In addition, new technology can also provide temporary mechanical support for patients with acute decompensated cardiogenic shock, allowing preservation of end-organ function until more definitive long-term mechanical support can be coordinated. Patients with end-stage heart failure experience unique nutritional challenges. Mechanical circulatory support adds yet another unique dimension to the nutritional support challenges of this patient population. This review contains 2 figures, 5 tables, and 29 references. Key words: cardiogenic shock, enteral nutrition, extracorporeal membrane oxygenation, heart failure, mechanical circulatory support, nutritional support, parenteral nutrition, ventricular assist device