[Mechanical circulatory assistance using the Novacor implanted device. A postoperative follow-up]
[Article in French]
Service de chirurgie cardiaque, CNRS URA 1431, association Claude-Bernard, Créteil.
The postoperative follow-up of 8 patients on the waiting list for cardiac transplantation, with implanted left ventricular assist devices of the Novacor type, was marked by right ventricular failure in the first week, controlled by positive inotropic agents and the maintenance of high right ventricular preload. The outcome later on showed that an ambulatory life was possible for 6 of the 8 patients, allowing the wait for cardiac transplantation under excellent conditions. Three major complications were observed: a case of aspergillosis endocarditis, one vertebrobasilar cerebrovascular accident and one low output state by progressive degradation of right ventricular function: after a period of circulatory assistance of 52 to 201 days. 6 out of the 8 patients underwent cardiac transplantation, 5 of which were successful.
PMID: 9092432 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]