Abstract
The primary function of the heart — to pump blood — sustains all other organs in the body. Impairment of this function over a long period of time, or even brief complete loss of cardiac output, may result in damage that leaves the patient with a permanent disability, regardless of ultimate cardiac recovery. In contrast with the broken leg, which can be rested in plaster for 6 weeks awaiting repair and return of function, the heart must continue to work immediately after major injury or cardiac surgery. Thus, measures to enhance, complement or substitute the pumping activity of the heart are encountered frequently in both the medical and surgical practice of cardiology.
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Further Reading
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© 1992 Springer-Verlag London Limited
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Ross, D.N., English, T.A.H., McKay, R. (1992). Temporary Support of the Circulation. In: Principles of Cardiac Diagnosis and Treatment. Springer, London. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-4471-1470-3_5
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-4471-1470-3_5
Publisher Name: Springer, London
Print ISBN: 978-1-4471-1472-7
Online ISBN: 978-1-4471-1470-3
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