Destination therapy: patient selection and current outcomes

Abstract

Long-term left-ventricular assist device (LVAD) support as destination therapy (DT) is a promising new alternative for the growing population of patients with advanced heart failure. In this article, we summarize the clinical trials that led to the approval of LVAD use as DT in the US national policies regulating candidate selection and DT center accreditation. We review current guidelines for candidate selection, clinical tools to assess candidate operative risk, and outcomes of DT.