Current status and future of development of ventricular assist devices in Japan

Abstract

Recently, percutaneous ventricular assist devices (VADs), and third-generation implantable VADs have become available in Japan. Each of the devices has its own characteristics and needs to be used in specialized facilities with a thorough assessment of the adaptation to patients. Patients with severe end-stage heart failure who crashed there circulation should be evaluated for treatment options such as heart transplant registration and implantable VADs, while being supported by mechanically assisted circulation. Implantable VADs are used as a bridge to cardiac transplantation in patients who are eligible for cardiac transplantation. In patients with relatively stable periods of severe heart failure, the appropriate timing of treatment should not be missed and heart transplant registration and implantable VADs should be considered to achieve good outcomes. Destination therapy, which will be introduced in Japan soon, may open the door to the use of implantable VADs for patients with severe end-stage severe heart failure who are not candidates for cardiac transplantation.