Background: We hypothesized that bridge to transplantation with the CardioWest Total Artificial Heart would succeed in a large percentage of patients. Further, we hypothesized that this success rate would not be significantly decreased by infection or thromboembolism.
Methods: From 1993 to March 1999, 24 patients received implants with the intention of bridge to transplantation. Data were collected prospectively. Heparin, coumadin, aspirin, ticlopidine, dipyridamole, and pentoxifylline were used for anticoagulation.
Results: Four patients died while on device support. Nineteen of 23 patients (83%) were transplanted. All 19 survived long term. One patient remains on CardioWest Total Artificial Heart support 6 weeks after implant. There was one stroke on the day of transplantation. There was a second stroke on the day of implantation. Neither stroke caused significant residual deficits. Both were in close relationship to an operative procedure. There were no serious device-related infections.
Conclusions: The CardioWest Total Artificial Heart salvaged 20 of 24 critically ill patients. Neither infections nor neurologic problems were significant. We believe it is the device of choice for decompensating patients with biventricular failure who have adequate body and heart size.