Artificial hearts, ventricular devices topics of hotline

During the height of last summer's sky-high gas prices, discussion about "plug-in" cars was commonplace as consumers were scrambling to cut their gas consumption.

But relatively few Utahns know that there is also a relatively new "alternative energy" source for people whose hearts are failing, allowing them to "plug in" to an electrical outlet or battery pack that will literally keep a human heart beating and prolong life.

Detail about artificial hearts and ventricular assist devices is the topic for this month's Deseret News/Intermountain Healthcare Health Hotline on Saturday. Provided as a public service to readers, the free hotline will operate from 10 a.m. to noon, and those who call 800-925-8177 will be able to speak with a representative of the Utah Artificial Heart Program at Intermountain Medical Center. You may also e-mail questions to hotline@desnews.com.

Dr. Stephen Clayson, associate surgical director of the Utah Artificial Heart Program, said the mechanical devices "are at the far end of the spectrum" for the most desperately ill heart failure patients. Those who qualify for such a device would have already tried intensive medications, either at home or via IV in the hospital, without good results.

Some patients become candidates for the devices because they are listed for a heart transplant, but are at risk of dying before a donor organ becomes available, "so the mechanical device becomes a bridge to transplant." Others don't qualify for a heart transplant because of advanced age or other medical factors, but their lives can reasonably be prolonged with a mechanical device, Clayson said.

As technology advances, the devices can offer several years of additional life to patients who would otherwise die.

"With the first generation pumps, we felt good if we got (an extra) 18 months," for patients who had one implanted. "With the second generation of pumps we're using now, we're looking at four to five years or more," he said.

The cost, the invasive nature of the surgery, and the potential complications make it an option some heart failure patients won't even consider, said Marla Fisher, a nurse coordinator with Utah Artificial Heart Program.

"I think there are a lot of public misconceptions about what advanced therapy means," when it comes to heart failure and prolonging life. "We encourage patients to keep asking questions about their treatment and keep pushing the envelope to insure they're getting the maximum care, rather than feeling it's a hopeless situation. There really is hope and a chance for a good life with these therapies."