Heart and vascular system - MBS item (38618)

The following MBS item is included in this clinical category.

38618
Insertion of a left and right ventricular assist device, for use as: (a)a bridge to cardiac transplantation in patients with refractory heart failure who are: (i)currently on a heart transplant waiting list, or (ii)expected to be suitable candidates for cardiac transplantation following a period of support on the ventricular assist device; or (b)acute post cardiotomy support for failure to wean from cardiopulmonary transplantation; or (c)cardio-respiratory support for acute cardiac failure which is likely to recover with short term support of less than 6 weeks; other than a service associated with a service to which: (d) item 11704, 11705, 11707, 11714, 18260, 33824,38816, 38828 or 45503 applies; or (e) another item in this Schedule applies if the service described in the item is for the use of a ventricular assist device as destination therapy in the management of a patient with heart failure who is not expected to be a suitable candidate for cardiac transplantation (H) (Anaes.) (Assist.)