Mechanical Circulatory Support in End Stage Heart Failure: A Comprehensive Guide

End stage heart failure (ESHF) is a debilitating condition characterized by the heart's inability to pump enough blood to meet the body's needs. This can lead to a variety of symptoms, including fatigue, shortness of breath, swelling in the legs and abdomen, and difficulty concentrating. ESHF is often progressive, meaning that it gets worse over time. Without treatment, ESHF can be fatal.

There are a number of treatments available for ESHF, including medications, lifestyle changes, and surgery. However, in some cases, these treatments are not enough to improve the patient's symptoms. In these cases, mechanical circulatory support (MCS) may be an option.

Mechanical Circulatory Support in End-Stage Heart Failure: A Practical Manual

by Anna Zaires

4.1 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	22131 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Print length	:	1390 pages

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What is Mechanical Circulatory Support?

MCS is a type of medical intervention that helps the heart to pump blood. MCS devices can be used to either temporarily or permanently support the heart. There are a variety of different types of MCS devices available, including:

• Ventricular assist devices (VADs)
• Extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO)
• Impella heart pumps

The type of MCS device that is used will depend on the patient's individual needs.

Indications for Mechanical Circulatory Support

MCS is typically used in patients with ESHF who are not responding to other treatments. MCS may also be used in patients who are waiting for a heart transplant.

Some of the specific indications for MCS include:

• Cardiogenic shock
• Refractory heart failure
• Bridge to heart transplantation

Types of Mechanical Circulatory Support Devices

There are a variety of different types of MCS devices available. The most common types of MCS devices include:

Ventricular Assist Devices (VADs)

VADs are surgically implanted devices that help the heart to pump blood.

VADs can be used to either temporarily or permanently support the heart. Temporary VADs are typically used in patients who are waiting for a heart transplant. Permanent VADs are used in patients who are not candidates for heart transplantation.

Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation (ECMO)

ECMO is a type of MCS that uses a pump and an oxygenator to circulate blood outside of the body.

ECMO is typically used in patients who are in cardiogenic shock or who have severe respiratory failure.

Impella Heart Pumps

Impella heart pumps are small, catheter-based devices that are inserted into the heart to help improve blood flow.

Impella heart pumps are typically used in patients who are undergoing high-risk surgery or who have acute heart failure.

Benefits of Mechanical Circulatory Support

MCS can provide a number of benefits for patients with ESHF. These benefits include:

• Improved survival
• Reduced symptoms
• Improved quality of life

Risks of Mechanical Circulatory Support

MCS is a major medical intervention and there are a number of risks associated with its use. These risks include:

• Bleeding
• Infection
• Stroke
• Kidney failure

The risks of MCS will vary depending on the type of device used and the patient's individual health.

MCS is a life-saving intervention for patients with ESHF. MCS can improve survival, reduce symptoms, and improve quality of life. However, MCS is also associated with a number of risks. The decision to use MCS should be made on a case-by-case basis, taking into account the patient's individual needs and risks.

Mechanical Circulatory Support in End-Stage Heart Failure: A Practical Manual

by Anna Zaires

4.1 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	22131 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Print length	:	1390 pages

FREE