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Insertion, Maintenance, and Removal of the Percutaneous Dual Lumen Cannula Right Ventricular Assist Device
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Demystifying ventricular assist devices

Kimberley A Litton1

  • 1Allegheny General Hospital/WPAHS, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania 15212, USA. KLITTON@wpahs.org

Critical Care Nursing Quarterly
|June 15, 2011
PubMed

Insights

Ventricular assist devices (VADs) offer life-saving cardiac support for heart failure patients awaiting transplants or as long-term therapy. Technological advancements have improved VADs, enabling many to live quality lives.

Area of Science:

  • Cardiology
  • Biomedical Engineering
  • Medical Devices

Background:

  • Heart disease and advanced heart failure affect millions globally.
  • Limited donor hearts necessitate alternative treatments for heart transplantation.
  • Mechanical circulatory support devices have emerged as a viable option.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To discuss the evolution and current state of ventricular assist devices (VADs).
  • To highlight VADs as a critical alternative for patients with advanced heart failure.
  • To review five prominent types of left ventricular assist devices.

Main Methods:

  • Review of VAD technology development over the past 30 years.
  • Categorization of VADs into generations (e.g., pulsatile flow vs. axial/rotary pumps).
  • Discussion of VADs used as bridge-to-transplant and destination therapy.

Main Results:

  • VAD technology has progressed from large pulsatile devices to smaller, more efficient axial flow or rotary pumps.
  • Improvements in device size, driveline, battery life, and device longevity have enhanced patient outcomes.
  • Thousands of individuals with implanted VADs are experiencing improved quality of life and functional capacity.

Conclusions:

  • Ventricular assist devices (VADs) represent significant advancements in managing advanced heart failure.
  • Modern VADs offer improved performance and longevity, supporting patients awaiting transplants or as permanent solutions.
  • Continued innovation in VAD technology is crucial for expanding treatment options for heart disease patients.

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