FDA Approves Heart Device for Permanent Implantation

November 11, 2002 - There was a media frenzy when doctors implanted Abiomed''s fully implantable artificial heart, but to Nader Moazami, MD, a less heralded device will lead the way in changing the way doctors treat congestive heart failure.

For the first time, the FDA has approved a Left Ventricular Assist Device (LVAD) for permanent implantation in certain patients.

"This is the first step toward mechanical devices eventually taking the place of heart transplants," says Dr Moazami, surgical director of heart transplant at Barnes-Jewish Hospital and Washington University School of Medicine.

Previously, LVADs (Left Ventricular Assist Devices) were only approved as a "bridge to transplant." Implanted in the body and attached to the heart''s left ventricle, the device keeps blood flowing through the heart until a donor heart can be found. Now, the HeartMate can be used for end stage congestive heart failure patients who do not qualify for heart transplantation due to age or extenuating health circumstances and who have a life expectancy of less than two years.

"Given that many patients do not qualify for transplantation and there is a limited supply of donor hearts, this is a viable alternative for patients who otherwise could not survive," says Dr. Moazami.

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