Ventricular assistance devices as bridge to transplantation

Abstract

The authors herein review the rationale and indications for the use of ventricular assistance devices as a bridge to heart transplantation and discuss the current evidence on the subject. The potential effects of device implantation on posttransplant outcomes and the therapeutic strategies in acute and elective cases are revised and illustrated.

Keywords: Heart transplantation; Posttransplant outcomes; Therapeutic strategies; Ventricular assistance devices.