Device investigated to treat moderate heart failure
Washington University is part of a study to compare ventricular assist device (VAD) therapy to optimal medical management in patients with heart failure
Surgeons hold a ventricular assist device (VAD).
Heart failure affects one in five Americans and is currently the most frequent reason for hospitalization for patients over the age of 65.
A new study compares therapy with a ventricular-assist device (VAD), which helps the heart pump, to optimal medical management in patients with advanced heart failure who are not eligible for heart transplantation.
Douglas Mann, MD, Lewin Professor of Medicine and chief of the cardiovascular division at Washington University School of Medicine, chairs the national steering committee of this trial, which is called REVIVE-IT (Randomized Evaluation of VAD InterVEntion before Inotropic Therapy).
Washington University and Barnes-Jewish Hospital together serve as one of five initial sites that are involved in this study. VADs are currently used in patients with end-stage heart failure and in patients awaiting heart transplantation.
The REVIVE-IT trial will form the basis for future trials that will determine the indications for placing VADs in less-sick heart patients who are not doing well on medical therapy.
