Mechanical Circulatory Support

These conference proceedings present new aspects of mechanical circulatory support, recent experience with MCS in newborns and children using specially developed small devices, and the results of long-term mechanical assistance.

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After decades of laboratory investigations, mechanical circulatory support for the failing heart has entered the clinical arena. Today, a growing number of patients with progressive myocardial failure awaiting cardiac transplantation are successfully bridged to transplantation with ventricular assist devices. These proceedings of the Mechanical Circulatory Support Meeting, held in Berlin, October 21-22, 1995, present new aspects of mechanical circulatory support, recent experience with MCS in newborns and children using specially developed small devices, and the results of long-term mechanical assistance. The ability of the myocardium to recover under pressure de-loading and reduced workload is discussed.