Authors' objectives:

This review aims to assess the available evidence on the effectiveness of left ventricular assist devices (LVADs) as permanent implants.

Authors' recommendations: The ICSI Technology Assessment Committee finds that the following conclusions from the original report (approved December, 2000) remain unchanged: LVADs are effective in replacing the pumping action of the heart allowing recovery of end-organ perfusion. The safety and efficacy of LVADs as permanent implants for improving quality of life and longevity has not yet been proven. The results of the REMATCH trial are expected to provide a definitive answer. As a short term bridge-to-transplant, LVADs have been found to be safe and effective when the patient is deteriorating faster than a donor organ is anticipated to be available. LVAD therapy provides much improved and acceptable quality of life during extended use (up to several years) in the bridge-to-transplant population. (Conclusion Grade II) The risks associated with surgical implantation of LVADs are acceptable if the risks and benefits of alternative therapy are considered.

Authors' methods: Review

Project Status: Completed

URL for project: http://www.icsi.org/index.asp

Year Published: 2002

English language abstract: An English language summary is available

Publication Type: Not Assigned

Country: United States

Organisation Name: Institute for Clinical Systems Improvement

Contact Address: 8009 34th Avenue South, Suite 1200, Bloomington, MN, USA. Tel: +1 952 814 7060; Fax: +1 952 858 9675

Contact Name: icsi.info@icsi.org

Contact Email: icsi.info@icsi.org

Copyright: Institute for Clinical Systems Improvement (ICSI)