Evaluation of candidates for mechanical circulatory support devices

In advanced heart failure (HF), the Interagency Registry for Mechanically Assisted Circulatory Support (INTERMACS) proposed seven clinical profiles (and modifiers) for a convenient, easy classification of disease status, risk of implantation of mechanical circulatory support devices (MCSDs) and adequate time for intervention ().

One of the main determinant factors for a successful MCSD implantation is patient eligibility. Correct selection of patients involves – (1) patients with advanced HF to which the risk of MCSD implantation surpasses mortality risk for current disease (making it a beneficial intervention); (2) patients with moderately advanced HF, i.e., implantation of MCSD would not increase patient’s morbidity and mortality due to increased complication rate; (3) no contraindications for MCSD implantation.^,

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