Affiliation:
1. Cardiothoracic Transplantation and Mechanical Circulatory Support; Clinical Assistant Professor, School of Pharmacy, University of Maryland; Department of Pharmacy, Comprehensive Transplant Center, The Johns Hopkins Hospital, Baltimore, MD
2. Cardiothoracic Surgery Critical Care, Department of Pharmacy, Emory University Hospital, Atlanta, GA
3. Cardiology; Clinical Assistant Professor, School of Pharmacy, Virginia Commonwealth University, Virginia Commonwealth University Health System; Department of Pharmacy, Medical College of Virginia Hospitals, Richmond, VA
4. College of Pharmacy, University of Arizona; Senior Clinical Scientist, The University Medical Center, Tucson, AZ
Abstract
Objective To provide a comprehensive review of the pharmacotherapy associated with the provision of mechanical circulatory support (MCS) to patients with end-stage heart failure and guidance regarding the selection, assessment, and optimization of drug therapy for this population. Data Sources: The MEDLINE/PubMed, EMBASE, and Cochrane databases were searched from 1960 to July 2010 for articles published in English using the search terms mechanical circulatory support, ventricular assist system, ventricular assist device, left ventricular assist device, right ventricular assist device, biventricular assist device, total artificial heart, pulsatile, positive displacement, axial, centrifugal, hemostasis, bleeding, hemodynamic, blood pressure, thrombosis, antithrombotic therapy, anticoagulant, antiplatelet, right ventricular failure, ventricular arrhythmia, anemia, arteriovenous malformation, stroke, infection, and clinical pharmacist. Study Selection And Data Extraction: All relevant original studies, metaanalyses, systematic reviews, guidelines, and reviews were assessed for inclusion. References from pertinent articles were examined for content not found during the initial search. Data Synthesis: MCS has advanced significantly since the first left ventricular assist device was implanted in 1966. Further advancements in MCS technology that occurred in the tatter decade are changing the overall management of end-stage heart failure care and cardiac transplantation. These pumps allow for improved bridge-to-transplant rates, enhanced survival, and quality of life. Pharmacotherapy associated with MCS devices may optimize the performance of the pumps and improve patient outcomes, as well as minimize morbidity related to their adverse effects. This review highlights the knowledge needed to provide appropriate clinical pharmacy services for patients supported by MCS devices. Conclusions: The HeartMate II clinical investigators called for the involvement of pharmacists in MCS patient assessment and optimization. Pharmacotherapeutic management of patients supported with MCS devices requires individualized care, with pharmacists as part of the team, based on the characteristics of each pump and recipient.