Successful mechanical circulatory support for more than two years with a left ventricular assist device in a patient with dilated cardiomyopathy.

A 36-year-old man with dilated cardiomyopathy was supported with a left ventricular assist device for 795 days. During this support time gradual functional recovery was noted. The patient tolerated the device well, enjoyed a good quality of life, and experienced no technical device-related problems. When a suitable donor heart became available, the device was switched off, and native ventricular function was assessed. This was judged to be acceptable, and the left ventricular assist device was successfully explanted. Postexplantation function remained acceptable and improved over the following days. The patient was discharged on the twentieth postoperative day and remains well.