LVADs--a new era in patient care.

Clearly, a challenge exists in treating end stage congestive heart failure patients. Drug therapy is not effective and too few donor hearts prevent transplantation from being the therapy of choice. The only alternative that is developing is the use of LVAD technology. Patients can benefit with an improved quality of life as well as increased longevity. Physicians can benefit by providing their patients with an effective alternative with the potential of reversing the disease process. Costs are significant; however they are comparable in comparison to other treatment arms. With increased use, costs will reduce as the result of developing the efficient use of this technology.