Experimental and clinical transplantation : official journal of the Middle East Society for Organ Transplantation
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Exp Clin Transplant · Dec 2016
Institutional Cost Comparison Between Heart Transplants and Left Ventricular Assist Device Implantations.
Increased numbers of end-stage heart failure patients and improved technology have led to increased use of left ventricular assist devices as a viable alternative to heart transplants. Given the current economic climate, we compared costs of heart transplant versus device placement. ⋯ During the first year, heart transplant and left ventricular assist device placement have similar costs. Initial index admission costs seem to favor heart transplant, with device pump costs accounting for some of the difference. From a 1-year survival perspective, heart transplant may be more effective; however, with lack of suitable donors, left ventricular assist devices are valuable in the armamentarium of advanced heart failure surgical options.