How to demonstrate the reversibility of end-organ function before implantation of left ventricular assist device in INTERMACS profile 2 patients?

J Artif Organs. 2012 Dec;15(4):395-8. doi: 10.1007/s10047-012-0654-4. Epub 2012 Jul 17.

Abstract

For the time being, in Japan, two recently approved implantable ventricular assist devices (VADs) are indicated only when a patient has been listed for heart transplantation or approved to be eligible for heart transplantation by in-hospital committee. The reversibility of end-organ dysfunction must be expected before VAD implantation, but it is often hard to prove during worsening clinical status. We report two patients whose end-organ dysfunction had been eventually demonstrated to be reversible by invasive procedures such as transluminal liver biopsy or transient insertion of intra-aortic balloon pumping.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Cardiomyopathy, Dilated / complications
  • Cardiomyopathy, Dilated / drug therapy
  • Cardiomyopathy, Dilated / surgery*
  • Equipment Design
  • Heart Transplantation
  • Heart-Assist Devices*
  • Hepatitis / complications
  • Humans
  • Intra-Aortic Balloon Pumping
  • Male
  • Organ Dysfunction Scores*
  • Patient Selection
  • Renal Insufficiency / complications
  • Treatment Outcome