In general, future prognosis is related to the length of time required for resolution of the cardiac size. Because of this, sterilization for patients with persistent cardiomegaly has been strongly recommended. The advent of intra-aortic balloon counterpulsation was hailed as an important development in the treatment of peripartum cardiomyopathy. Intra-aortic balloon counterpulsation uses a pumping device to improve cardiac output. The balloon pump is floated via the femoral artery into the thoracic aorta.
Anticoagulation is required with heparin or dextran.
The development of extracorporeal ventricular assist devices has allowed physicians to maintain circulatory support in patients in whom cardiac function has been temporarily or permanently disabled. Originally centrifugal pumps were used with only moderate success. A major disadvantage to these devices was that they caused significant hemolysis and support time was therefore limited to a few days. Other solutions, such as the Jarvic-7 or other types of total artificial heart devices10,11 for temporary support followed by transplantation, have been met with varying rates of success. The system consists of two single-use blood pumps, transthoracic cannulae, and a drive console that provides pneumatic support.