LVAD used as total artifical heart

Posted By Stephanie on October 21, 1998 at 01:38:42:







I would like to get more information on a couple LVAD's if you have it.  One is called NOVUS or Novacor, one is HeartSaver, and the last is the new HeatMate.
I am looking for an LVAD that can also be used as a total artificial heart for a close friend of mine who has been taken off the heart transplant list.  He currently has a lvad implanted, but not the kind that can be used as a total artificial heart.  We feel that maybe this may be his only option left, and time is running out.
He was taken off the transplant due to not only a bad heart, but also because of weakened arteries as well.  They feel that a new heart or an artificial heart that replaces his heart won't be able to be supported by his arteries, but a total implantable lvad that can be used as an artificial heart, along with leaving in his own heart may be the answer.  We are looking for miracles at this point.