Assisted Circulation for the Failing Heart: Experience with the Novacor Left Ventricular Assist System

Authors

  • Emily A. Farkas
  • John A. Elefteriades

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.2015/hc.v3i1%20sup.112

Keywords:

advanced heart failure, assisted circulation, mechanical circulatory support, Novacor, surgical therapy for heart failure, ventricular assist device

Abstract

Surgical therapy for the treatment of heart failure is a relatively young solution to a problem that has overwhelmed civilizations dating back to the First Dynasty. Despite centuries of enormous multi-disciplinary medical and technological advance, in 2006 nearly two thousand Americans died of cardiovascular disease each day, averaging 1 death every 35 seconds, and claiming more lives than the next 4 leading causes of death combined [1]. In 2007, one in 30 female deaths will be from breast cancer, while 1 in 2.6 will be from cardiovascular disease [2]. The prevalence of heart failure in our population is a staggering 5 million in the United States, and 6.5 million in Europe. Furthermore, based on the 44 year follow-up of the National Heart, Blood, and Lungs Institute Framingham Heart Study, 80% of men and 70% of women under age 65 who have heart failure will die within 8 years [3]. The focus of this article will be to review the history and future of the Novacor Left Ventricular Assist System (LVAS) as it relates to the failing heart; the story of how the innovator, the researcher, the engineer, and the surgeon have come together to offer a surgical solution to a medical problem of inconceivable scope.

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Issue

Vol. 3 No. 1 sup (2008)

Section

Athens Cardiology Update 2008

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