Thoratec's HeartMate II Improves Survival in End-Stage Heart Failure Patients
By Barbara Lock, MDNovember 18, 2009
Data released yesterday by Thoratec and published in the New England Journal of Medicine indicate that the HeartMate II implantable left ventricular assist device (LVAD) doubles two year survival in end-stage heart failure patients compared to those treated with an older model device, while reducing the indicence of stroke and need for change-out of device. The two year survival rate for end-stage heart failure patients remains higher in patient who get heart transplants, but available hearts are in limited supply.
LVADs are currently used for selected patients with end stage heart failure as a bridge therapy for recovery, as a bridge therapy until a heart becomes available, and sometimes as final (destination) therapy with discharge to the community, according to Maclver et al.
People who survive on LVADs at least one year have a mean hospital readmission rate of nearly three times per year, with a mean length of stay of nearly two weeks each time, according to Allen et al.
The cost of LVAD treatment for one year, including device costs, hospitalization costs, and professional fees, is estimated to be $222,460, according to Moskowitz et al, and while there is no cost benefit to LVADs over heart transplant, this is expected to change as the technology matures.
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