Related Experiment Video
Updated: May 10, 2026

Use of Two Intracorporeal Ventricular Assist Devices As a Total Artificial Heart
Published on: May 11, 2018
Ventricular assist devices for mechanical circulatory support in children
Ravi R Thiagarajan1, Christopher S Almond, David S Cooper
1Department of Cardiology, Children's Hospital Boston, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA.
Pediatric ventricular assist devices (VADs) offer mechanical circulatory support for children awaiting heart transplants. This review covers their current use, outcomes, and future potential in pediatric cardiac care.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Cardiology
- Mechanical Circulatory Support
- Cardiac Surgery
Background:
- Ventricular assist devices (VADs) are crucial for managing pediatric heart failure.
- Increasing use of VADs in children bridges the gap to cardiac transplantation.
- Advances in VAD technology are improving outcomes for pediatric patients.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the current status of VADs in pediatric patients.
- To analyze the outcomes associated with VAD use in children.
- To discuss future directions and innovations in pediatric mechanical circulatory support.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of current VAD applications in pediatric cardiology.
- Analysis of published outcomes data for pediatric VAD recipients.
- Synthesis of expert opinion and research trends in the field.
Main Results:
- VADs are a viable option for pediatric mechanical circulatory support.
- Outcomes vary based on device type, patient condition, and center experience.
- Significant improvements in survival and quality of life have been observed.
Conclusions:
- Pediatric VAD therapy is evolving, offering life-saving support.
- Continued research and technological advancements are essential for optimizing VAD use in children.
- VADs play a critical role in the pediatric cardiac transplant pathway.
Related Concept Videos
Cardiomyopathy V: Interprofessional Care
Cardiomyopathy II: Dilated Cardiomyopathy
Ventilatory Modes
There are three ventilatory modes: full support, partial support, and spontaneous. These are described below.
Full Support Modes
Full support modes include controlled mechanical ventilation, continuous mandatory...
Mechanical Ventilation II: Invasive Ventilation
Negative-Pressure Ventilators
Negative-pressure ventilators create a vacuum around the chest or body to draw air into the lungs, simulating breathing. This method does not require an...
Heart Failure VI: Adjunct Therapies
Mechanical Ventilation I: Indication and Settings
