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Updated: May 10, 2026

Use of a Percutaneous Ventricular Assist Device/Left Atrium to Femoral Artery Bypass System for Cardiogenic Shock
Published on: August 16, 2021
Pediatric ventricular assist devices
Brigitte Stiller1, Iki Adachi, Charles D Fraser
1Department of Congenital Heart Disease, University Heart Center Freiburg-Bad Krozingen, Freiburg, Germany.
Insights
Pediatric mechanical circulatory support lags behind adult use. This review focuses on pediatric ventricular assist device biomechanics and selection for improved outcomes.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Cardiac Intensive Care
Background:
- Mechanical circulatory support (MCS) in pediatric patients using ventricular assist devices (VADs) is less advanced than in adults.
- There is growing interest in pediatric VAD support.
Observation:
- This review is part of a joint consensus statement from the Pediatric Cardiac Intensive Care Society and Extracorporeal Life Support Organization.
- It addresses key aspects of pediatric VAD support.
Findings:
- The review emphasizes the biomechanics of pediatric VADs.
- It guides the selection of the most appropriate VAD for pediatric patients.
Implications:
- Improved understanding of VAD biomechanics can lead to better device selection.
- This can enhance outcomes for children requiring mechanical circulatory support.
Abstract:
The field of pediatric mechanical circulatory support with ventricular assist devices has lagged significantly behind that of adult patients. However, there is increasing attention on the emerging field of pediatric ventricular assist device support. In this review, part of the Pediatric Cardiac Intensive Care Society/Extracorporeal Life Support Organization Joint Consensus Statement on Mechanical Circulatory Support, we discuss several important aspects of pediatric ventricular assist device, focusing on biomechanics and selection of the most appropriate device.
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