Sudden cardiac death in cardiac transplant recipients.

Background: Sudden cardiac death (SCD) remains a significant cause of mortality in the general population. Its role in cardiac transplant patients-including its incidence, mechanism, potential risk factors, or influence on survival in this patient population-has not been well described.

Methods And Results: We undertook a retrospective analysis of the clinical and autopsy records of 257 patient deaths.

Transmyocardial laser revascularization.

Transmyocardial laser revascularization is a technique to create new vessels in underperfused areas of the ischemic heart. These vessels carry blood directly from the left ventricle of the heart into the myocardium. Clinical trials of this technique are currently underway.

Hemopump left ventricular support in the peripartum cardiomyopathy patient.

The Hemopump temporary cardiac assist system underwent clinical trials within the United States from 1988 to 1991. Use of the device proved life-saving in providing left ventricular assistance for failing hearts. Presentation of a case study demonstrating the effects of Hemopump support is provided along with a detailed nursing care plan.

Mechanical circulatory support in children.

Nine children (aged 1.2-15 years) have been treated with mechanical circulatory support devices at our institution. Indications for treatment were acute cardiac allograft rejection (n = 4), postcardiotomy cardiogenic shock (n = 4), and bridge to cardiac transplantation (n = 1).