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Interagency Registry
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All Things INTERMACS® |
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Conflict of Interest Disclosure |
INTERMACS® Description
Background: Over the last two decades, mechanical circulatory support devices (MCSDs) have been developed to augment or supplant failing myocardial performance. This therapy has been used successfully as a bridge to heart transplantation, a bridge to recovery, and as a permanent implantation or destination therapy for intractable heart failure. Although cardiac transplantation offers life-saving therapy for selected patients, its use is limited by a supply of donor organs which currently meets less than one-tenth of the need. As a consequence, the number of MCSDs implantations has increased in recent years. This trend is expected to continue, especially in view of the October 1, 2003 decision of CMS to provide reimbursement for MCSD implantation surgery. Despite favorable survival and quality of life outcomes, MCSDs have severe and sometimes life-threatening complications which include infections, thrombosis and device failure.
INTERMACS® (Interagency Registry for Mechanically Assisted Circulatory Support) is a national registry for patients who are receiving mechanical circulatory support device therapy to treat advanced heart failure. This registry was devised as a joint effort of the National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute (NHLBI), the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS), the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), clinicians, scientists and industry representatives. Analysis of the data collected is expected to facilitate improved patient evaluation and management while aiding in better device development. Registry results are also expected to influence future research and facilitate appropriate regulation and reimbursement of MCSD implantations.
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