Destination Therapy

Destination Therapy is a relatively new indication for ventricular assist devices. The device may be used as an alternative to heart transplant or for patients ineligible for heart transplant.

Heartmate XVE

HeartMate Left Ventricular Assist Systems (LVAS) are designed to assist the pumping function of the natural heart's left ventricle in patients with end-stage heart failure. The left ventricle, which supplies oxygenated blood to the body, accounts for about 80% of all heart failure. The HeartMate LVAS is indicated for use as a bridge to cardiac transplantation for patients with non-reversible left ventricular failure who are at risk of imminent death. The HeartMate LVAS allows patients to recover end organ function and improve physical conditioning while waiting for a donor heart to become available. The HeartMate XVE LVAS is also approved for use as Destination Therapy, i.e. LVAS support as an alternative to optimal medical therapy, for end-stage heart failure (ESHF) patients ineligible for heart transplants.

When the HeartMate pump is implanted, it takes over the pumping function from the left ventricle. Blood fills the HeartMate pump through a tube placed in the left ventricle. The Diaphragm of the pump moves up and down as the motor turns. This motion propels blood out of the pump into the aorta and the rest of the body. When the motor completes each revolution, the Diaphragm moves