Aortic valve closure associated with HeartMate left ventricular device support: technical considerations and long-term results.

Background: Aortic valve integrity is crucial for optimal left ventricular assist device (LVAD) support. Pre-existing native aortic insufficiency, aortic valve incompetence acquired during support, as well as previously placed prosthetic aortic valves present unique problems for these patients.

Methods: We reviewed and analyzed data for 28 patients who underwent left ventricular outflow tract closure associated with HeartMate I (n =12) and HeartMate II (n = 16) LVAD insertion or exchange.

HeartMate left ventricular assist system exchange: results and technical considerations.

The duration times of left ventricular assist system (LVAS) support have increased because of prolonged wait times for transplant and the more frequent use of devices for destination therapy. The HeartMate LVAS, the only device approved for bridge to transplant and destination therapy, has limited durability, making replacement increasingly necessary. Since 1996, we have exchanged 19 left ventricular assist devices in 15 patients (11 men: mean age, 57.

Cardiac transplantation: candidate identification, evaluation, and management.

For more than 40 years, cardiac transplantation has been a treatment option for patients with severe heart failure in whom optimal medical management is no longer effective. Critical care nurses are integrally involved in the care of patients with severe heart failure who may benefit from cardiac transplantation and are in a special position to recognize potential candidates for transplantation. Understanding patient selection criteria, the evaluation process, and how patients are managed while awaiting transplantation is key to the knowledge and skills required.

Progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy: a case study.

Progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy is a rare, highly fatal demyelinating brain infection caused by the JC virus. This infection is associated with immunosuppressive agents and is emerging in the transplant population. There has never been a documented case of progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy in a transplant recipient receiving sirolimus.