UNI OR BIVENTRICULAR CIRCULATORY ASSIST D EVICES - SELECTION CRITERIA, CHOICE OF THE DEVICE AND PATIENTS FOLLOW-UP

Therapy of patients presenting with cardiogenic shock refractory to me dical treatment can be undertaken with uni or biventricular circulator y assist devices. Pre implantation evaluation of patients is aimed at defining the etiology as well as the extent of uni versus biventricula r heart failure, the possibility of recovery of myocardial function im provement of vital organ function and the possibility of cardiac trans plantation. Circulatory assist devices must provide efficient support of the failing ventricles, allow recovery of myocardial function or ca rdiac transplantation under optimal circumstances. The choice of uni-b iventricular support of total arficicial heart is discussed as well as criteria useful in defining a therapeutic strategy.