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New artificial organs study findings recently were published by researchers at Ruhr University
November 19th, 2007
2007 NOV 19 -- "Patients who develop cardiogenic shock after acute myocardial infarction have a very high mortality rate despite early reperfusion therapy. Hemodynamic stabilization can often only be achieved by implanting a mechanical circulatory support system," researchers in Bad Oeynhausen, Germany report. "When, in cases representing expansive myocardial impairment without any chance of recovery, pharmacological therapy and the use of percutaneous assist devices have failed, the implantation of a total artificial heart is indicated. We report our first experiences with this extensive and innovative method of managing irreversible cardiogenic shock patients. The CardioWest total artificial heart was implanted in 5 patients (male; mean age, 50 years). All patients were in irreversible cardiogenic shock despite maximum dosages of catecholamines, an intra-aortic balloon pump and/or a femoro-femoral bypass. In all patients early reperfusion therapy was performed. After implantation of the CardioWest system, all dysfunctional organ systems rapidly recovered in all patients. Four of 5 patients underwent successful heart transplantation after a mean support time of 156 days. One patient died because of enterocolic necroses caused by an embolic event after termination of dicumarol therapy," wrote M. Morshuis and colleagues, Ruhr University. The researchers concluded: "In summary, our first experiences justify this extensive management in young patients who would otherwise have died within a few hours." Morshuis and colleagues published their study in Heart Surgery Forum (Implantation of CardioWest total artificial heart for irreversible acute myocardial infarction shock. Heart Surgery Forum, 2007;10(4):E251-E256). For additional information, contact N. Reiss, Ruhr University of Bochum, University Hospital, Heart & Diabetes Center N Rhine Westphalia, Clinic Thorac & Cardiovascular Surgery, Georgstr 11, D-32545 Bad Oeynhausen, Germany. Publisher contact information for the journal Heart Surgery Forum is: Forum Multimedia Publishing, LLC, 375 Greenbrier Dr., Charlottesville, VA 22901, USA. Keywords: Germany, Bad Oeynhausen, Artificial Organs, Artificial Heart, Medical Device, Ruhr University. This article was prepared by Hematology Week editors from staff and other reports. Copyright 2007, Hematology Week via NewsRx.com.
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