Cardiovascular Critical Care I

resolution or presentation of comorbid conditions.

Intent, duration, and type of MCS support depend on several factors, including patient acuity,

comorbidities, and prognosis.

Destination therapy – Formal designation for patients who meet the criteria for long-term mechanical

support but who are not a transplant candidate because of relative or absolute contraindications

Bridge to transplantation – Formal designation for patients eligible to be listed as candidates for

heart transplantation

Bridge to candidacy and bridge to recovery – Used in concept and are not formally recognized

abbreviations but describe the approach to temporary MCS when short-term left ventricular assist

devices (LVADs) are used to support a patient until a long-term prognosis can be determined,

which may include explantation with recovery, implantation of long-term durable LVAD support,

heart transplantation, or palliative care