Implantation of biventricular assist devices for chronic heart transplant rejection

Ann Thorac Surg. 2002 Aug;74(2):609-11. doi: 10.1016/s0003-4975(02)03627-5.

Abstract

Mechanical circulatory support has been used to treat graft failure caused by rejection after heart transplantation, but the prognosis remains bleak. Organ failure induced by the addition of or an increase in immunosuppressive medication is known to be a cause of the poor outcomes. Thus we tried a new therapeutic technique that allows complete withdrawal of immunosuppressive medication, as the donor heart is removed and circulatory support is maintained with a biventricular assist device.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Chronic Disease
  • Female
  • Graft Rejection / surgery*
  • Heart Transplantation*
  • Heart-Assist Devices*
  • Humans
  • Prosthesis Design