immunology allergic disorders
Heart Transplantation
Bridge and destination ventricular assist devices (VADs)
Implantable ventricular assist devices are being used to treat some patients who previously would have needed heart transplantation and patients for whom transplantation is contraindicated. These devices are usually used to assist the left ventricle as interim (bridge-to-transplantation) or long-term (destination) treatment in patients who are not candidates for transplantation. The devices are more and more compact, with the goal of having the battery compartment implanted under the skin as well and using induction charging. Infection, which may originate at the skin insertion site of the drive lines, is a concern. However, there are patients who have survived and have been well for several years after these devices were implanted. 