Journal of cardiac surgery
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Historical Article
Mechanical circulatory devices for the treatment of heart failure.
During the last four decades substantial efforts have been made in the development of effective mechanical circulatory devices. Since the first clinical utilization in the 1960s, the field has gone from the stage of clinical experimentation to that of a valid and effective heart failure treatment alternative. Experience gained during the short-term use of these devices, typically as a bridge to cardiac transplantation, has led to increased expectations of devices capable of long-term or permanent support to be used as a permanent treatment for end-stage heart failure patients. This article reviews the history, current state of the art, and future of the field of mechanical circulatory devices. ⋯ The clinical experience with mechanical circulatory devices as a bridge to cardiac transplantation has saved the lives of thousands of patients. Exciting new research discoveries related to recovery of native heart function during extended circulatory support have provided new hope for many more patients. Additional research efforts currently underway are being tested at various laboratories around the world and will soon provide the next generation of systems. These new systems will offer the recipients an unparalleled quality of life with minimal limitations on daily activities. The progress in this field has reached the point where circulatory support will soon be considered a valid long-term or permanent therapy and an elective to transplantation.