Heart and vascular system - MBS item (38620)

The following MBS item is included in this clinical category.

38620
Insertion of a durable left ventricular assist device capable of providing mechanical circulatory support for at least 6 months: (a) as destination therapy in the management of a patient who: (i) has refractory heart failure despite optimal medical management including device use where appropriate; and (ii) has an INTERMACS profile of 1, 2, 3 or 4; and (iii) is not expected to be a suitable candidate for cardiac transplantation; and (b) including all associated intraoperative imaging performed by the same practitioner; other than a service associated with a service to which item 11704, 11705, 11707, 11714, 18260, 33824, 38816, 38828 or 45503 applies Applicable only once per lifetime (H) (Anaes.) (Assist.)