The Journal of thoracic and cardiovascular surgery
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J. Thorac. Cardiovasc. Surg. · Dec 1988
Seven years' experience with the Pierce-Donachy ventricular assist device.
Of currently available methods for mechanical circulatory support, the Pierce-Donachy external pneumatic ventricular assist device has proved to be one of the most versatile and effective. Since 1981, 48 patients, aged 15 to 71 years (mean 43.0), with profound cardiogenic shock refractory to conventional therapy with drugs and intra-aortic balloon support, were supported with the Pierce-Donachy ventricular assist device. There were four patient groups. ⋯ Despite biventricular support in all four (biventricular assist devices, two patients; right ventricular assist device plus intraaortic balloon pump, two patients), all died of infection and/or renal failure after 12 hours to 6 days (mean 3.4 days) of support. The final group consisted of three patients, aged 36 to 51 years (mean 45), with cardiogenic shock caused by acute myocardial infarction. One patient was supported with biventricular assist devices (3.5 days) and two patients were supported with a left ventricular assist device (8.5 and 15 days).(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 400 WORDS)