Current Options for Mechanical Heart Technology

Heart transplantation remains the treatment of choice for end-stage heart failure despite limited donor availability and allograft durability. Artificial heart technology was initially developed as a replacement for transplantation but the initial experience with these technologies was disappointing. The quest for a total artificial heart has largely been abandoned in favor of ventricular assist devices (VADs). VADs have gained widespread acceptance as bridge to transplant and bridge to recovery therapy. After more than a decade of clinical use, several FDA approved device designs have proved effective in treating patients with various causes of heart failure. This review describes the current, clinically available ventricular replacement and assist devices and defines the adult patient populations in which they are useful. The next generation of these devices will soon become available and their clinical utility will likely shape the future direction of heart failure therapy. Ultimately the concept of a long-term total artificial heart may be revisited.