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Updated: May 10, 2026

Utilizing Percutaneous Ventricular Assist Devices in Acute Myocardial Infarction Complicated by Cardiogenic Shock
Published on: June 12, 2021
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.
Abstract:
Utilization of ventricular assist devices (VADs) in children is increasing, as is the complexity of patients supported. We review the intensive care management of pediatric patients with VAD in the perioperative and rehabilitation phases, highlighting the technical aspects and physiology of VADs which impact care. Indications for VAD placement and the preoperative assessment of risk are discussed. Specific aspects of postoperative and long-term care including device troubleshooting, hemostasis and anticoagulation, support of the right ventricle, incidence and prevention of neurologic injury, and other complications are reviewed.
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