Indications for the use of the Hemopump

The indication for the use of a left-ventricular assist system is, in principle, that of an untreatable low cardiac output state related to a severe degree of cardiac failure. Cardiac failure however is a very complex feature which is based on a large variety of pathophysiological mechanisms. Complete global akinesia of the left ventricle after extended cardiac surgery, for example, may be due to post ischemic myocardial stunning and will be entirely reversible provided the circulation remains temporarily supported.