1. As a "bridge to transplantation" (BTT) for patients listed for heart transplant to maintain end-organ perfusion and improve survival to transplantation.

2. As a "bridge to transplant candidacy" (BTC) to reverse contraindications to heart transplant such as pulmonary hypertension and renal dysfunction.

3. As destination therapy (DT) for patients with advanced heart failure and contraindication to heart transplant, LVAD is used to support patients indefinitely. About 5% of these patients have LV recovery, and at 5 years have the LV explanted. For these patients, LVAD becomes a "bridge to recovery."

References

• Teuteberg JJ, Cleveland JC, Cowger J, et al. The Society of Thoracic Surgeons Intermacs 2019 Annual Report: the changing landscape of devices and indications. Ann Thorac Surg. 2020;109:649-660.