Intensive care of the pediatric ventricular assist device patient

David A Hehir1, Robert A Niebler, Christopher C Brabant

  • 1Division of Pediatric Critical Care, Children's Hospital of Wisconsin, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, WI, USA.

Insights

Pediatric ventricular assist device (VAD) use is rising. This review covers intensive care for children receiving VADs, focusing on perioperative and rehabilitation phases, and device management.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatric cardiology
  • Cardiac surgery
  • Intensive care medicine

Background:

  • Increasing complexity of pediatric patients requiring ventricular assist devices (VADs).
  • Growing utilization of VADs in pediatric cardiac care.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review the intensive care management of pediatric patients with VADs.
  • To highlight technical and physiological aspects of VADs impacting patient care.
  • To discuss preoperative assessment and postoperative/long-term care.

Main Methods:

  • Review of perioperative and rehabilitation phases of VAD support in children.
  • Discussion of indications, preoperative risk assessment, and postoperative management.
  • Examination of device troubleshooting, anticoagulation, right ventricular support, and complication prevention.

Main Results:

  • VAD utilization in pediatrics is increasing, with complex patient profiles.
  • Comprehensive management strategies are crucial for successful VAD support.
  • Key areas of focus include anticoagulation, neurologic injury prevention, and device maintenance.

Conclusions:

  • Effective intensive care management is vital for pediatric VAD patients.
  • Addressing VAD-specific challenges optimizes outcomes in pediatric cardiac support.
  • Continuous monitoring and proactive management minimize complications in VAD recipients.

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