Mechanical Circulatory Support in Heart Failure

Dear Colleagues,

Acute or chronic heart failure is associated with high mortality, and therapeutic options might be limited due to the manifestation of the disease. Mechanical circulatory support (MCS) systems are frequently used in therapy-refractory heart failure, and the development of new strategies is necessary to enhance survival. Nowadays, direct cardiac recovery with decompression of the right/left ventricle gains more importance. Therefore, simultaneous utilization of MCS systems is a novel promising option addressing circulatory support and cardiac recovery. Moreover, optimization of goal-directed drug therapy is essential in patients with MCS systems. In this regard, a multimodal therapeutic approach in patients with MCS is essential.

This Topic will cover the following important aspects of MCS systems in heart failure:

• Concomitant use of MCS systems in heart failure;
• Type of left ventricular decompression;
• Long-term options in patients with failure of short-term systems;
• Adjunctive medical therapy during MCS use;
• Strategies of short-term systems (bridge-to-recovery, bridge-to-bridge).

Research articles, review articles, and communications are invited.

Prof. Dr. Anton Sabashnikov
Dr. Ilija Djordjevic
Topic Editors