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Use of a Percutaneous Ventricular Assist Device/Left Atrium to Femoral Artery Bypass System for Cardiogenic Shock
Published on: August 16, 2021
Mechanical circulatory support for right heart failure: current technology and future outlook
Po-Lin Hsu1, Jack Parker, Christina Egger
1Department of Cardiovascular Engineering Institute of Applied Medical Engineering, Helmholtz Institute, RWTH Aachen University, Germany. hsu@hia.rwth-aachen.de
Right heart failure is a significant concern after cardiac surgery, especially with left ventricular assist devices (LVADs). This review covers current and emerging right ventricular assist devices (RVADs) to improve patient outcomes.
Area of Science:
- Cardiology
- Biomedical Engineering
- Medical Devices
Background:
- Congestive heart failure prevalence is rising globally, posing a significant healthcare challenge.
- Isolated right heart dysfunction post-cardiotomy carries a poor prognosis and high mortality.
- Right heart failure affects over 40% of patients receiving left ventricular assist devices (LVADs) or cardiac transplantation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the current state of right ventricular assist device (RVAD) technology.
- To categorize existing and developing RVADs.
- To discuss future considerations for RVAD development.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of clinical and developmental RVADs.
- Categorization of RVADs based on technology and application.
- Analysis of current RV assistance status and future outlook.
Main Results:
- Mechanical cardiac assistance via VADs is established for end-stage heart failure.
- Right ventricular assist device (RVAD) technology is less developed than LVADs.
- Reviewed devices include extracorporeal, percutaneous, and implantable RVADs, with emerging technologies also discussed.
Conclusions:
- RVAD technology is evolving, with various devices in clinical use and development.
- Further advancements are needed to improve outcomes for patients with right heart failure.
- Successful future RVAD development requires careful consideration of technological and clinical factors.
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