Circulatory assist devices

ABSTRACT

The circulation has to be assisted by mechanical assist devices in cases of refractory heart failure. These devices allow the ventricles to recover by restoring adequate perfusion by augmenting the cardiac output and decreasing the load on the heart. In the last 40 years the technology of these circulatory assist devices has improved and has led to their widespread clinical application. Survival rates have improved and morbidity is on a decline. Several patients have been supported for more than one year. Efforts are on for achieving the ultimate goal of manufacturing an implantable total cardiac substitute which is biologically acceptable and functional for a long period. The concept of dynamic cardiomyoplasty and dynamic aortomyoplasty is new and novel method for supporting chronically failing heart. This article reviews various circulatory assist devices and the concept of cardiomyoplasty along with their historical background, mechanism of action and criteria for patient selection