Patient selection for left ventricular assist devices

The use of mechanical support as a bridge to cardiac transplant has become the standard of care in many cardiac transplant centers. This therapy has been shown to increase survival and improve morbidity in carefully selected patients waiting for heart transplantation. With approximately 30 000 patients being listed worldwide for transplant every year and only 3500 transplantations performed annually, alternative strategies need to be developed to minimize morbidity and mortality in this high-risk population. Patient selection remains the primary determinant of success with left ventricular assist device (LVAD) therapy. This article will review both the cardiac and extracardiac considerations needed in the assessment of patient suitability for LVAD support as a bridge to transplantation.