Indications and Selection of Cardiac Support Device

Approximately 20% of patients awaiting cardiac transplantation die before a donor heart is located1. These patients may benefit from mechanical circulatory support as a temporary measure until a donor heart is found. Circulatory support systems comprise a broad range of devices, from simple roller pumps to electrically-powered implantable hearts. It is becoming increasingly clear that there are specific indications for each type of device. Major cardiac centers performing transplantation may require access to more than one form of device so that the most suitable can be used for each individual patient.