Abstract
We describe six cases who had portable left ventricular assist systems “wearable Novacor” as a bridge to heart transplantation in Henri-Mondor Hospital, France between March 1993 to May 1995. The patients' mean age was 36 yeas and mean body weight was 67kg. Preoperative mean cardiac index was 1.4l/min/m2 and mean pulmonary capillary wedge pressure was 25mmHg. Marked hemodynamic improvement was achieved immediately with the support of Novacor and they could walk around the ward within 8 to 20 days (mean 13 days). They could go out of hospital and one of them could stay at home bearing the system. All six cases were successfully transplanted and doing well. The duration of support ranged 52 to 169 days (mean 111 days). Complications were as follows; infectons: 4, late cardiac tamponade: 2, effusion in the pocket: 4. transient ischemic attack (aphasia). Wearable Novacor will provide a prolonged circulatory support and advantages regarding quality of life.
