Authors' objectives: The main objectives of this report are: To evaluate the efficacy -in terms of mortality, hemodynamic function, quality of life- and safety of ventricular assist devices in patients with terminal heart failure. In particular the HeartMate II, HeartWare, DuraHeart and CentriMag devices. Synthesize the available evidence on the ventricular assist devices mentioned above.

Authors' recommendations: No studies evaluating the comparative efficacy and safety of ventricular assist devices HeartMate II, HeartWare, DuraHeart and CentriMag -third generation continuous flow- with the artificial heart, cellular therapy and heart transplantation in patients with terminal heart failure were found. Studies comparing the ventricular assist devices Thoratec and Novacor (second generation) with the artificial heart CardioWest in patients with terminal heart failure were found. The CardioWest device showed a higher survival rate. Studies take into account cellular therapy with stem cells as a treatment for terminal heart failure in development were found. A document was found noting the necessity of solving the uncertainties related to gene expression and the magnitude of the survival of stem cells, identification of patients eligible for treatment and adverse effects, legal and ethical considerations. Found research protocols for stem cells therapy are orientated towards complementing the treatment with ventricular assist devices. Both treatments can be considered complementary. The goal of combining both treatments was to improve the efficacy of ventricular assist devices. "Gold standard" treatment for patients with terminal heart failure transplant is heart transplantation if the patient was a appropriate candidate. Given the shortage of organs, further research for durable and cost-effective devices is required. The comparison of ventricular assist devices one from another for selected patients from a cost-effective perspective could arise as a research line with relevance for the clinical practice.

Project Status: Completed

URL for project: https://www.aetsa.org/publicacion/eficacia-y-seguridad-de-los-dispositivos-de-asistencia-ventricular/

Year Published: 2013

URL for published report: https://www.aetsa.org/download/publicaciones/antiguas/AETSA_2012_3_2_As_Ventricular.pdf

English language abstract: An English language summary is available

Publication Type: Not Assigned

Country: Spain

Organisation Name: Andalusian Health Technology Assessment Area

Contact Address: Area de Evaluacion de Tecnologias Sanitarias Sanitarias de Andalucia (AETSA) Avda. Innovación, s/n Edificio Arena 1. Sevilla (Spain) Tel. +34 955 006 309

Contact Name: aetsa.csalud@juntadeandalucia.es

Contact Email: aetsa.csalud@juntadeandalucia.es

Copyright: Andalusian Agency for Health Technology Assessment (AETSA)