Increasing experience, better understanding, and advances in VADs now suggest that its smaller size offers an advantage in permitting its use in women and smaller patients, including children with heart failure. These miniature devices, such as the MicroMed DeBakey Child VAD, have the potential to bring about similar results in children as they do currently in adults, sustaining heart function, until the heart can recover or until a heart transplant can be done. According to WebMD Health, as many as 50,000 people each year could benefit from a heart transplant, but only 2,000 to 2,500 hearts become available. As a result, tens of thousands of patients each year die while waiting for a heart transplant.
The development of VADs was derived from the first successful clinical use of the heart-lung machine. Researchers actively set out to discover other ways to support a failing heart to allow more time for recovery. The article relays how the efficacy and safety of VADs were demonstrated in numerous trials along the way. After 50 years of use, VADs are still considered to be in their infancy, but today, the technology has contributed to prolonging support for patients, and has helped to maintain healthy, functioning hearts.
"[This is] of significant value in improving the treatment of intractable heart failure," states Dr. Michael DeBakey, author of the editorial in the journal, Artificial Organs. Researchers are hopeful for further advancement in the technology but stress the need for commitment from leaders in the field in addition to "adequate reimbursement."
This study is published in Artificial Organs. Media wishing to receive a PDF of the article contact medicalnews@bos.blackwellpublishing.net.
About the Author
Michael E. DeBakey, MD, received his BS, MD, AND MS degrees from Tulane University in New Orleans. He is currently Chancellor Emeritus, Distinguished Service Professor and Olga Keith Wiess Professor of Surgery, and Director of the DeBakey Heart Center, which was established in the prevention and treatment of heart disease. Dr. DeBakey can be reached for questions and interviews at 713-798-8600.
About Artificial Organs
Artificial Organs is the official peer reviewed journal of the International Federation for Artificial Organs, the International Faculty for Artificial Organs, and the International Society for Rotary Blood Pumps. Artificial Organs publishes original research articles dealing with research, developments, and clinical applications of artificial organs including organ replacement, recovery, and regeneration. In print since 1977, the journal will continue to publish original articles featuring studies of design, performance, and clinical evaluation of organ systems for the international medical, scientific, and engineering communities involved in the research, development, and clinical application of artificial organ technologies.
About Blackwell Publishing
Blackwell Publishing is the world's leading society publisher, partnering with more than 550 academic and professional societies. Blackwell publishes over 750 journals and 600 text and reference books annually, across a wide range of academic, medical, and professional subjects.
Journal
Artificial Organs