Journal of cardiac failure
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Implantable left ventricular assist devices (LVADs) have been used primarily as bridges to cardiac transplantation, although some patients have been maintained long term on these devices and a few have recovered enough to be weaned. This trial was designed to evaluate their suitability as long-term myocardial replacement therapy in patients who are ineligible for cardiac transplantation. ⋯ The use of an LVAD resulted in improved survival and quality of life in patients with extremely severe heart failure (75% 1-year mortality in the medical control group). However, only 23% of LVAD patients survived to 2 years and complications were frequent.