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Updated: Apr 18, 2026
Implantation of Left Ventricular Assist Device (LVAD) in Juvenile Landrace Swine: A LVAD Implantation Model of Pediatric Heart Failure
Published on: January 16, 2026
Outpatient management of intra-corporeal left ventricular assist device system in children: a multi-center experience
M Schweiger1, C Vanderpluym, A Jeewa
1Department of Congenital Cardiovascular Surgery, Children's Hospital Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland.
Insights
Home discharge for pediatric patients using the HeartWare Ventricular Assist Device (HVAD) is safe and feasible, enabling children to return to school. Outpatient management shows promising outcomes with zero mortality.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Cardiology
- Mechanical Circulatory Support
- Pediatric Heart Failure Management
Background:
- Limited data exists on outcomes for pediatric patients supported by intracorporeal HeartWare Ventricular Assist Device (HVAD).
- Feasibility of outpatient management for these pediatric patients remains largely unknown.
- Understanding HVAD use in children is crucial for improving treatment strategies.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the outcomes of pediatric patients discharged from the hospital on an HVAD.
- To assess the feasibility and safety of outpatient management for children with HVAD support.
- To examine the potential for school re-integration in pediatric HVAD recipients.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective data collection from 9 pediatric centers that discharged patients on HVAD.
- Analysis of 12 pediatric patients (ages 8-15) diagnosed with various cardiomyopathies.
- Review of patient demographics, diagnoses, support indications, and clinical outcomes.
Main Results:
- Zero overall mortality observed in the study cohort.
- Mean duration of outpatient support was 290 days, with no emergency department adverse events.
- Eight children successfully resumed local schooling, indicating good functional recovery.
Conclusions:
- Home discharge and outpatient management of pediatric patients on HVAD are feasible and safe.
- Successful school integration is achievable for children supported by HVAD.
- Significant variability exists among centers regarding discharge practices for pediatric HVAD patients.
Abstract:
Little is known about the outcomes of children supported on intracorporeal left ventricular assist device (HVAD), and the feasibility of outpatient management. All centers with pediatric patients discharged from the hospital on the device were identified using company database. A total of 14 centers were contacted, with 9 centers, contributing data retrospectively. From 2011 to 2013, 12 pediatric patients (7 females), mean aged 11.9 ± 2.3 years (range 8-15), mean weight 43 ± 19 kg (range 18-81), mean body surface area 1.3 ± 0.3 m(2) (range 0.76-1.96) were identified. Diagnosis included: dilated cardiomyopathy (CMP) (n = 5), noncompaction CMP (n = 4), toxic CMP (n = 2) and viral CMP (n = 1). Indications for support were permanent support (n = 1), bridge to recovery (n = 1) and bridge to transplantation (n = 10). Prior to HVAD implantation, all patients received intravenous inotropes and two patients were on temporary mechanical support. Overall mortality was 0%. Mean duration of inpatient and outpatient support were 56 (range: 19-95 days) and 290 days (range: 42-790), respectively. Mean readmission rate was 0.02 per patient month (2.1 per patient). No adverse events involving emergency department occurred. Eight children resumed local schooling. Home discharge of children supported on HVAD is feasible and safe. School integration can be achieved. There is wide center variability to discharge practice for children.
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