EXPERIENCE WITH THE BERLIN HEART ASSIST DEVICE

Different mechanical circulatory support systems (MCSS) have been in c linical use since 1987 to keep patients alive by assisting the heart d uring cardiac recovery after open heart surgery, myocardial infarction , acute graft failure after heart transplantation, or as a bridge to t ransplantation in heart transplant candidates. Four different hospital s in Germany used the Berlin Heart Assist Device. Up until 1993, there were 22 patients in the ''recovery'' group; 4 patients were weaned fr om the system, and only 1 patient was discharged from the hospital. In 112 patients the Berlin Heart Assist Device was implanted for the pur pose of a bridge to transplantation, 68 were transplanted and 46 patie nts left the hospital. It was concluded that patients may be kept aliv e with this system for weeks and months after any kind of cardiogenic shock. Complete cardiac recovery may be achieved in patients with earl y posttransplant graft failure. Reliable prediction of outcome in brid ge-to-transplantation patients requires further experience and improve ment of system components.