Long-distance transportation of patients with a paracorporeal left ventricular assist system

In Japan, the heart transplantation program is specialized in only three institutions in Osaka and Tokyo. Therefore, a patient must be transferred to these hospitals for extended treatment, regardless of the distance. Trans-portation of the patient with a paracorporeal left ventricular assist system (Toyobo LVAS) is difficult because of its extremely large consumption of electric power. We planned to transfer a patient with a Toyobo LVAS for 600 km, but the patient was not transferred because he had a stroke. In order to find the best transportation method, various possi-bilities are evaluated; special ambulance car, Shinkansen (Super express train), fiexed-wing aircraft, medium-sized helicopter (belonging to private company or public aviation corps), and large helicopter (belonging to the Self-Defense Force). The special ambulance car the medium-sized helicopter may not be able to provide a stable electric power supply. There is a connecting traffic problem with the Shinkansen and the aircraft, depsite their sufficient electric power supply. The large Self-Defense Force helicopter seems to be the best option for us. Some aspects of the logistics and complexity of long-distance transportationare also commented on.