WAYS TO HELP THE HEART

Posted by Jodi on April 20, 1999 at 21:57:50
My Dad age 71 has recently had his 13th heart attack, not all have been major but some have. I have search the internet for information on an external experimental heart pump that weighs 3 pounds and is for those that cannot have surgery (which is my Dad). We saw this advertised on the news. We are also looking for some more information on a device that we saw in the newspaper. It was an external vest that gels the chest then shocks it if it senses that the heart is beating wrong. It was described to look like a bra with straps. Please help with any web sites or addresses or phone numbers where we can find out lots more about these products while he still has a chance. Thanks you for your time. Jodi

Posted by CCF CARDIO MD-APS on April 24, 1999 at 15:04:34
Dear Jodi,
My best advice to you is to have your Dad evaluated at a center that specializes in heart failure and transplant since this is where many patients are treated with 'alternative' therapies to transplant and other heart failure therapies since they are not 'candidates'.  Actually, it is usually the heart failure centers like the Cleveland Clinic's Kaufmann Heart Failure Center where such alternative devices are developed and or tested. Not many university/academic centers have such treatments being used so start by searching or inquiring only at large heart hospitals.
As for specific sites, I know of none; here are few key words however that you might use in a search on the web in case some of the companies have web pages:
1.external counterpulsation, 2. LVAD-for left ventricular assist device, 3. Novocor, and 4. Heartmate.
I hope this information is useful. Information provided in the heart forum is for
general purposes only.  Only your physician can provided specific diagnoses and therapies.
Feel free to write back with further questions. Good luck!
If you would like to make an appointment at the Cleveland Clinic Heart Center, please
call 1-800-CCF-CARE or inquire online by using the Heart Center website at
www.ccf.org/heartcenter. The Heart Center website contains a directory of the
cardiology staff that can be used to select the physician best suited to address your
cardiac problem.