Limited evidence on the safety and efficacy of short-term circulatory support with left ventricular assist devices (LVADs) as a bridge to cardiac transplantation or recovery appears adequate to support the use of this procedure provided that the normal arrangements are in place for audit and clinical governance.
Clinicians should ensure that patients fully understand the high complication rates associated with this procedure and that the procedure is a temporary measure. In addition, use of NICE's information for the public is recommended.
Publication of further research will be useful, particularly on the use of this procedure in patients with cardiogenic shock following acute myocardial infarction.