Which device is commonly used as a bridge to transplant?

Which device is commonly used as a bridge to transplant?

• A. LVAD
• B. IABP
• C. Impella
• D. External pump

Answer: (A)

Durable left ventricular assist devices provide long-term circulatory support for patients with end-stage heart failure while they await a donor heart. They are designed for extended use, offering ongoing hemodynamic support, acceptable quality of life, and the ability to remain ambulatory with external batteries, which helps preserve end-organ function and improve transplant candidacy. This makes them the standard option for bridging to transplant. Intra-aortic balloon pumps offer temporary stabilization and are mainly for short-term support or as a bridge to a more definitive therapy, not for prolonged waiting periods. Impella devices are intended for short-term, percutaneous unloading during high-risk procedures or limited support, not durable bridging. External pumps are not a routine durable solution for bridging to transplant.

Durable left ventricular assist devices provide long-term circulatory support for patients with end-stage heart failure while they await a donor heart. They are designed for extended use, offering ongoing hemodynamic support, acceptable quality of life, and the ability to remain ambulatory with external batteries, which helps preserve end-organ function and improve transplant candidacy. This makes them the standard option for bridging to transplant.

Intra-aortic balloon pumps offer temporary stabilization and are mainly for short-term support or as a bridge to a more definitive therapy, not for prolonged waiting periods. Impella devices are intended for short-term, percutaneous unloading during high-risk procedures or limited support, not durable bridging. External pumps are not a routine durable solution for bridging to transplant.