Clinical results with the AB-180 left ventricular assist device

Background. This report reviews the initial clinical experience with the AB-180 ventricular assist device. Methods. Between Dec 1997 and July 2000, the AB-180 was implanted in 17 patients at five institutions. The mean age was 52 years (range 21 to 68 years) and 14 of 17 were male. The indications for implantation were postcardiotomy shock (12 of 17, 70%), decompensated cardiomyopathy (2 of 17, 12%), viral myocarditis (2 of 17, 12%), and acute myocardial infarction (1 of 17, 6%). Results. The mean duration of support was 8.5 days (range 1 to 28 days). In the group of 17 patients, 8 were weaned from the device and 2 underwent transplantation. Four of the weaned patients (4 of 8, 50%) and 1 of the transplant patients (1 of 2, 50%) survived. The overall weaning and survival rates were 58% (10 of 17) and 29% (5 of 17). There were no major device-related complications and no major device malfunctions. Conclusions. The AB-180 provides reliable circulatory support for reversible forms of heart failure. (C) 2001 by The Society of Thoracic Surgeons.