Related Experiment Video

Updated: Aug 9, 2026

Implantation of Left Ventricular Assist Device (LVAD) in Juvenile Landrace Swine: A LVAD Implantation Model of Pediatric Heart Failure
05:18

Implantation of Left Ventricular Assist Device (LVAD) in Juvenile Landrace Swine: A LVAD Implantation Model of Pediatric Heart Failure

Published on: January 16, 2026

Clinical outcomes in pediatric patients implanted with Thoratec ventricular assist device

J Donald Hill1, Olaf Reinhartz

  • 1Department of Surgery, Division of Cardiothoracic Surgery, University of California, San Francisco, CA 94143, USA. hilld@surgery.ucsf.edu

Seminars in Thoracic and Cardiovascular Surgery. Pediatric Cardiac Surgery Annual
|April 28, 2006
PubMed

Insights

The Thoratec ventricular assist device (VAD) shows promising survival rates for pediatric patients with heart conditions like cardiomyopathy and myocarditis. However, survival is significantly lower for children with congenital heart disease.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatric Cardiology
  • Mechanical Circulatory Support
  • Cardiac Surgery

Background:

  • Mechanical circulatory support (MCS) devices are primarily designed for adults, limiting their application in pediatric populations.
  • Pediatric heart failure necessitates advanced treatment options, including ventricular assist devices (VADs).

Purpose of the Study:

  • To evaluate the complication rates and survival outcomes of pediatric patients receiving the Thoratec ventricular assist device (VAD).
  • To analyze survival data based on underlying etiologies and patient size.

Main Methods:

  • Data were collected from the Thoratec Corporation's voluntary registry, including 209 pediatric patients (ages 5-18) implanted with the Thoratec VAD by January 2005.
  • Patient characteristics (age, weight, body surface area) and etiologies (cardiomyopathy, myocarditis, congenital heart disease) were recorded.
  • Survival to transplantation or native heart recovery was analyzed, with subgroup analysis for different etiologies and smaller children (body surface area <1.3 m2).

Main Results:

  • Overall survival to transplantation or native heart recovery was 68.4% across 209 pediatric patients.
  • Survival rates varied significantly by etiology: 74.1% for cardiomyopathy, 86.0% for acute myocarditis, and 27.3% for congenital heart disease.
  • Survival in smaller children (body surface area <1.3 m2) was 51.7%, with a higher incidence of congenital heart disease.

Conclusions:

  • The Thoratec VAD can be successfully applied to pediatric patients, offering a viable support option for heart failure.
  • Outcomes are strongly influenced by the underlying cardiac condition, with congenital heart disease posing a significant challenge.
  • Further research is needed to optimize VAD therapy for pediatric populations, particularly those with complex congenital defects.

More Related Videos

Implantation of the Syncardia Total Artificial Heart16:11

Implantation of the Syncardia Total Artificial Heart

Published on: July 18, 2014

Implantation of Total Artificial Heart in Congenital Heart Disease07:27

Implantation of Total Artificial Heart in Congenital Heart Disease

Published on: July 18, 2014

Related Concept Videos

Cardiomyopathy V: Interprofessional Care01:29

Cardiomyopathy V: Interprofessional Care

Managing cardiomyopathy involves addressing underlying or precipitating causes, treating heart failure with medications, and implementing dietary changes and a balanced exercise and rest regimen.Lifestyle ModificationsCardiomyopathy patients should adopt a low-sodium diet to reduce fluid retention and manage heart failure. A personalized exercise and rest plan helps maintain physical fitness without overstraining the heart. Avoiding alcohol and tobacco is essential to prevent further damage to...
Mitral Stenosis III: Medical Management01:26

Mitral Stenosis III: Medical Management

Mitral stenosis, a condition marked by the narrowing of the mitral valve, necessitates an integrated approach for effective management. This approach includes preventative measures, medical therapy, and surgical interventions to reduce symptoms and prevent complications.PreventionPrevention of mitral stenosis primarily focuses on reducing the incidence of bacterial infections, particularly streptococcal infections, which can lead to rheumatic fever and subsequent valvular damage. Timely...
Mechanical Ventilation II: Invasive Ventilation01:23

Mechanical Ventilation II: Invasive Ventilation

Ventilators are essential medical equipment used to aid patients with respiratory difficulties. Their primary function is to assist or replace spontaneous breathing by providing mechanical ventilation. There are two general classes of mechanical ventilators: negative-pressure and positive-pressure ventilators.
Negative-Pressure Ventilators
Negative-pressure ventilators create a vacuum around the chest or body to draw air into the lungs, simulating breathing. This method does not require an...
Mechanical Ventilation III: Noninvasive Ventilation01:23

Mechanical Ventilation III: Noninvasive Ventilation

Noninvasive positive-pressure ventilation (NIPPV), continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP), and bilevel positive airway pressure (BiPAP) are essential methods in respiratory care. These ventilation techniques offer unique benefits for patients with various respiratory conditions, providing adequate support without requiring intubation. Let's explore how each method is crucial in improving patient outcomes and enhancing respiratory therapy.
Noninvasive Positive-Pressure Ventilation (NIPPV)
Mechanical Ventilation I: Indication and Settings01:29

Mechanical Ventilation I: Indication and Settings

Mechanical ventilation is a life-saving technique for managing acute respiratory failure and other respiratory complications. The process involves using a machine known as a ventilator to supply oxygen to the lungs and assist in removing carbon dioxide. It serves as a bridge to long-term mechanical ventilation or a temporary measure until ventilatory support is discontinued. The ventilator can maintain this function for a prolonged period, providing critical support for patients until they can...
Mitral Stenosis IV: Nursing Management01:27

Mitral Stenosis IV: Nursing Management

A comprehensive nursing assessment is essential for patients with valvular heart disease, which involves any dysfunction of the heart valves that could impact blood flow and overall heart function.Subjective Data Collection:Chief Complaint and Present Illness: Start with the patient's primary concerns, focusing on the onset, duration, and progression of cardiac symptoms such as dyspnea, fatigue, chest pain, and palpitations.Past Medical History: Collect detailed information on any previous...