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Updated: Jun 3, 2026

Implantation of Left Ventricular Assist Device (LVAD) in Juvenile Landrace Swine: A LVAD Implantation Model of Pediatric Heart Failure
Published on: January 16, 2026
Managing long-term complications of left ventricular assist device therapy
Evgenij V Potapov1, Alexander Stepanenko, Thomas Krabatsch
1Department of Cardiothoracic and Vascular Surgery, Deutsches Herzzentrum Berlin, Berlin, Germany. potapov@dhzb.de
Purpose Of Review:
As permanent support with ventricular assist devices (VADs) has become a reality and increasing numbers of patients are being supported for several years, the interactions between the VAD and the body and the management of complications during life-long support have gained the interest of clinicians and biomedical engineers.
Recent Findings:
Several interactions between the body and the implanted pump, including changes in the coagulation system, structure and function of the aortic valve, VAD-related infections, and technical failure as well as psychosocial aspects and their specific management have been described.
Summary:
With enormous progress made in VAD technology, the incidence of complications has decreased over the years. However, with longer times of support, many aspects of the interaction between the implanted pump and the patient's body have been recognized. The management of these interactions and possible complications remain challenging, but it is possible to achieve long-term event-free VAD support.
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