MECHANICAL CIRCULATORY SUPPORT AND HEART TRANSPLANTATION
UAB Medicine is a leader in the use of mechanical circulatory support ( MCS ) devices . Our ventricular assist device ( VAD ) program began in 1989 with the first implantation of a pneumatic extracorporeal device as a bridge to heart transplant . Since 2000 , almost 700 of these devices have been implanted at UAB , as both destination therapy and as a bridge to transplant for patients with refractory end-stage heart disease . UAB ’ s two-year survival consistently exceeds the Intermacs benchmark of 70 %. The program holds The Joint Commission Gold Seal of Approval for meeting required standards and performance measures since 2008 .
UAB ’ s long history of clinical research focusing on survival , functional status , and quality of life fosters a continual assessment of the evolving technology and promotes optimal patient outcomes . With the inception of our total artificial heart program in 2016 , UAB provides the full range of durable technologies to support the failing heart , as well as short-term ( non-durable ) percutaneous devices as bridges to myocardial recovery .
ECMO & EXTRACORPOREAL LIFE SUPPORT UAB ’ s extracorporeal membrane oxygenation ( ECMO ) service is part of an institutional MCS program . Our ECMO program supports more than 150 patients annually and serves as a regional referral center for patients with end-stage heart and lung failure . In addition to pursuing advanced research initiatives focused on therapies to support failing organ systems , the program is an active center for both bridge-to-organ recovery and organ transplantation .
UAB ’ s ECMO program features a multidisciplinary team of highly trained and dedicated providers that includes cardiac surgeons , a cardiac intensivist , a pulmonologist , advanced practitioners , registered nurses , perfusionists , quality improvement specialists , a physical therapist , a respiratory therapist , a wound care specialist , dietitians , social workers , and others who work together to deliver patient-centered care . A mobile ECMO team is available to provide timely transportation of patients currently receiving ECMO therapy at another facility .
MECHANICAL CIRCULATORY SUPPORT AND HEART TRANSPLANTATION
Since 2016 , UAB has been a recipient of the Extracorporeal Life Support Organization ( ELSO ) Gold Level Center of Excellence award . This award recognizes ECMO programs worldwide that distinguish themselves by establishing processes , procedures , quality measures , and systems that promote excellence and exceptional care .
MCS AND HEART TRANSPLANTATION Our diverse team of specialists is committed to treating heart failure through optimizing medical management and expanding the role of MCS devices , either as a bridge to transplant or as destination therapy . When a transplant is needed , our outcomes are excellent ; UAB ’ s one-year and three-year patient and graft survival rates are better than the expected rates and U . S . averages .
Our cardiologists and heart surgeons are supported by an experienced team of transplant specialists , including nurses , dietitians , coordinators , mental health professionals , and social workers devoted to exceptional , comprehensive care . During each phase of the transplant process , patients have access to timely educational materials and learning sessions , all of which is designed to ease patient concerns and promote more successful outcomes .
HEART TRANSPLANT 3-YEAR PATIENT SURVIVAL , UAB VERSUS EXPECTED AND NATIONAL
UAB ’ s three-year patient survival for heart transplantation was significantly better than the expected rate and U . S . average . uabmedicine . org 9