The Journal of heart and lung transplantation : the official publication of the International Society for Heart Transplantation
-
J. Heart Lung Transplant. · Apr 2002
Comparative StudyPartial loading of the left ventricle during mechanical assist device support is associated with improved myocardial function, blood flow and metabolism and increased exercise capacity.
Myocardial recovery has been observed after placement of left ventricular assist devices in some patients awaiting cardiac transplantation. Left ventricular assist devices provide profound volume and pressure unloading while restoring systemic blood flow. However, the optimal degree of left ventricular unloading during left ventricular assist device support is unknown. The purpose of this study was to assess the effect of the degree of left ventricular decompression, during left ventricular assist device support, on myocardial function and exercise capacity. ⋯ These results suggest that partial loading of the left ventricle during left ventricular assist device support may be beneficial. Further study of optimal ventricular decompression during device support is needed, as this may be important in improving myocardial recovery.
-
J. Heart Lung Transplant. · Apr 2002
Efficacy of tacrolimus rescue therapy in refractory acute rejection after lung transplantation.
Encouraging results in transplantation of other solid organs led to investigation of the use of tacrolimus in lung transplantation as a salvage immunosuppressant in persistent acute rejection. ⋯ Conversion to a tacrolimus-based immunosuppressive regimen for refractory acute lung rejection is associated with reduced incidence and severity of acute rejection episodes, steroid sparing, and stabilization or improvement of pulmonary function.