JNUR_V2_N2_Rev1 Sunmi Yoo Journal on Nursing 2231 – 4504 2 2 41 45 Ventricular Assist Device (VAD) Transplantation Recovery Destination Therapy There is a long history of the development of the artificial organ for heart failure patients. In 1966, DeBakey performed the first successful clinical implantation of a ventricular assist device (a pneumatically-driven paracorporeal diaphragm pump) in a 37-year-old woman from Huston, Texas. Scientists have developed sophisticate devices to help heart failure patients. In 1994, the FDA approved the pneumatically-driven HeartMate LVAD (Thermo Cardiosystem, Inc.) for a bridge to transplantation. This is the first pump with textured blood-contacting surfaces. The FDA approved the HeartMate VE LVAD for permanent use (Thoratec Corp) in 2002. Heart transplantation is a choice for end-stage heart failure patients; however, there is a shortage of organ donation. Development and use of VAD is utilized for recovery and destination therapy. May - July 2012 Copyright © 2012 i-manager publications. All rights reserved. i-manager Publications http://www.imanagerpublications.com/Article.aspx?ArticleId=1971