R. Korfer et al., MECHANICAL CIRCULATORY SUPPORT WITH THE THORATEC ASSIST DEVICE IN PATIENTS WITH POSTCARDIOTOMY CARDIOGENIC-SHOCK, The Annals of thoracic surgery, 61(1), 1996, pp. 314-316
Background. In spite of modern cardiac surgical techniques, severe car
diogenic shock not responding to pharmacologic therapy and intraaortic
balloon pumping develops in about 0.2% to 1.2% of patients undergoing
cardiac operations. Methods. From September 1987 to September 1994, 1
84 patients were supported with different mechanical circulatory suppo
rt systems. Nine patients with postcardiotomy cardiogenic shock were s
upported with the Thoratec ventricular assist device. Four patients su
ffered early postcardiotomy cardiogenic shock, and 5 patients suffered
late postcardiotomy cardiogenic shock. In 6 patients the Thoratec dev
ice was applied exclusively, in 2 patients both Bio-Medicus and Thorat
ec, and in 1 patient both ABIOMED and Thoratec devices were used. Dura
tion of support ranged from 5 to 46 days with a mean duration of 15 da
ys. Results. Four patients (44%) survived and were discharged. Main co
mplications and causes of death were multiple organ failure and sepsis
. Conclusions. The results justify the use of Thoratec assist device i
n patients with severe preoperative cardiogenic shock.