ASSIST CIRCULATION IN SEVERE CARDIAC FAILURE

-CURRENT STATUR AND FUTURE PROBLEMS-

Abstract

In chronic heart failure, development and establishment of the environment for pul satile assist device and heart transplantation are definitive waysto pursue in the future. However, in acute heart failure, the gap between percutaneous cardiopulmonary support (PCPS) and pulsatile assist device is very wide and those are not continuously incorporated in the strategy of the treatment. Despite of various efforts for longer and more physiologic support with PCPS such as heparin coating of whole circuit or improvement of durability of artificial membrane oxygenator, bypass type itself is a limiting factor in venoarterial bypass in terms of insufficient support for the left ventricle. To solve this obstacle, we need to develop reliable, safe, easy and practical percutaneous left ventricular sapport system such as Hemopump. For further development of assist circulation in Japan, cooperation between clinician and researcher is olso mandatory.