Author/Authors :
Deng، نويسنده , , Mario C and Tjan، نويسنده , , Tonny D.T and Asfour، نويسنده , , Boulos and Gradaus، نويسنده , , Rainer and Bِcker، نويسنده , , Dirk and Loick، نويسنده , , Heinz Michael and Baba، نويسنده , , Hideo A and Breithardt، نويسنده , , Günter and Scheld، نويسنده , , Hans H and Borggrefe، نويسنده , , Martin and Hammel، نويسنده , , Dieter، نويسنده ,
Abstract :
Implantable cardioverter defibrillators (ICDs) and ventricular assist devices (VADs) have been used as a bridge to cardiac transplantation. In selected patients, the combined implantation may be required. This study was motivated by a case of a 33-year-old female patient with giant cell myocarditis who died of ventricular tachyarrhythmias after having been placed on a VAD with which she had been treated on an out-of-hospital basis for a prolonged period of time. A subsequent retrospective analysis of our data showed that, of 73 patients who had to be bridged mechanically (54 Novacor, 12 TCI Heartmate, 4 Thoratec, 3 Medos) in our institution between 1993 and 1998, 10 patients had undergone defibrillator implantation either before (n = 8) or after (n = 2) implantation of a VAD. The cases are presented, and the feasibility of the combination therapy discussed.
