These tools will no longer be maintained as of December 31, 2024. Archived website can be found here. PubMed4Hh GitHub repository can be found here. Contact NLM Customer Service if you have questions.


Pubmed for Handhelds

PUBMED FOR HANDHELDS

Search MEDLINE/PubMed

  • Title: Bridge to decision using the Levitronix CentriMag short-term ventricular assist device.
    Author: De Robertis F, Rogers P, Amrani M, Petrou M, Pepper JR, Bahrami T, Dreyfus GD, Khaghani A, Birks EJ.
    Journal: J Heart Lung Transplant; 2008 May; 27(5):474-8. PubMed ID: 18442711.
    Abstract:
    BACKGROUND: Ventricular assist devices are effective in severe end-stage cardiac failure but outcomes remain poor in critically ill patients. Cheaper and less invasive short-term devices have been used in this setting. We report our experience with the Levitronix CentriMag short-term ventricular assist device as a potential bridge prior to deciding whether a more expensive device should be used or whether transplantation should be undertaken. METHODS: Since August 2003, 16 moribund patients (14 males; age 32.7 +/- 14.9 [range 16 to 62] years) have been supported with the CentriMag device as a "bridge to decision." Twelve patients had an intra-aortic balloon pump pre-operatively, 13 had multi-organ failure, 11 had septic shock, and in 5 patients the neurologic status was uncertain at the time of insertion of the device. RESULTS: Operative mortality was 18.7% (3 patients). Seven patients (43.7%) were reoperated for bleeding. The mean support duration was 46.9 +/- 32.3 (range 6 to 111) days. There were 2 late deaths during Levitronix utilization. Follow-up was 12.8 +/- 12.5 (range 0.6 to 43) months. Eleven patients (68.7%) are currently alive and well: 2 patients recovered and had the Levitronix device explanted; 6 patients were upgraded to a long-term device; and 3 patients were bridged directly to transplantation. The actuarial survival at 1, 6 and 12 months was 85.7%, 64.9% and 64.9%, respectively. There were no instances of device failure. CONCLUSIONS: The Levitronix device is effective in rescuing critically ill "moribund" patients and can provide an opportunity for low-cost support and optimization of their condition prior to deciding whether a more expensive device should be placed or if transplantation should be undertaken. Better candidate selection for further procedures can then be allowed.
    [Abstract] [Full Text] [Related] [New Search]