How to Treat Stage D Heart Failure?

– When to Implant Left Ventricular Assist Devices in the Era of Continuous Flow Pumps? –

Abstract

The new classification of heart failure in the American College of Cardiology/American Heart Association guidelines includes stage D, which is refractory severe heart failure that does not respond to medical or resynchronization therapy. Among the many treatment strategies for stage D heart failure, only heart transplantation and ventricular assist devices have been established as improving prognosis. With the evolution in the mechanics of ventricular assist devices in recent years, the postoperative prognosis has improved, and less sick patients can now be candidates for these devices. In Japan, 2 continuous flow devices have been approved since April 2011, and now is the best time to consider the indications for their use. (Circ J 2011; 75: 2038-2045)