[Destination therapy in end-stage heart failure. A possible alternative to heart transplantation?].

The incidence of heart failure continues to increase but the number of available heart donors is limited. Implantation of circulatory assist devices as a permanent alternative to heart transplantation has become a promising new alternative in patients not eligible for heart transplantation (destination therapy). New technical advances have increased the durability of the devices and reduced complications.New generations of rotator pumps are smaller and more durable and will expand the use of these devices for destination therapy. This review discusses the current state of knowledge and indications for destination therapy in end-stage heart failure.