Note:  This website has moved to a new site: http://healthcare.utah.edu/transplant/

The Cardiac-Mechanical Support Program

The Cardiac - Mechanical Support Program at University Health Care is a pioneer in Artificial Heart and Mechanical Circulatory Support Devices. The first permanent artificial heart device was implanted in a patient, here, in 1982. The program continues to be successful implanting devices as bridge-to-recovery, bridge-to-transplant, and destination therapy.

Ventricular or Heart Assist Devices

The Mechanical Circulatory Support Devices, sometimes referred to as Ventricular or Heart Assist Device, are designed to provide short or long term cardiac support for patients whose hearts are damaged or diseased and unable to provide adequate blood flow. The devices may be used as a bridge to cardiac transplantation for people who are on the waiting list to receive a donor heart or short term use after a heart attack or heart surgery allowing the heart to rest and recover. The Artificial Heart has also been approved for destination or life-time therapy. Destination or life-time therapy use may be indicated when end stage heart failure exists and a patient is ineligible for heart transplantation. The Artificial Heart can provide improved blood flow, better organ function, and the ability for the patient to improve physical conditioning. For heart transplant candidates, it can provide the gift of time as the patient waits for that special gift - a donor heart.

A Team Approach

A multidisciplinary team of health care professionals work together to provide the highest level of clinical expertise available.  Cardiothoracic surgeons, cardiologists, nurse practitioners, pharmacists, dieticians, social workers, and nurses provide a comprehensive care plan through all phases of patient care.