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Implantation of Left Ventricular Assist Device (LVAD) in Juvenile Landrace Swine: A LVAD Implantation Model of Pediatric Heart Failure
Published on: January 16, 2026
130
Current Status of Left Ventricular Assist Device Therapy
Pavol Sajgalik1, Avishay Grupper2, Brook S Edwards2
1Division of Cardiovascular Diseases, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN; Department of Internal Medicine, Cardioangiology, International Clinical Research Center, St. Anne's University Hospital, Brno, Czech Republic.
Mayo Clinic Proceedings
|July 6, 2016
Summary
Left ventricular assist device (LVAD) therapy is increasingly used for end-stage heart failure (HF) patients, serving as a bridge to transplant or destination therapy. Some patients may become transplant-eligible or even recover enough for device removal.
Area of Science:
- Cardiology
- Medical Devices
- Heart Failure Management
Background:
- Congestive heart failure (HF) significantly impacts the Western World, with many patients progressing to end-stage disease despite current treatments.
- Heart transplantation is limited by donor organ availability and patient comorbidities.
- Left ventricular assist device (LVAD) therapy offers an alternative for end-stage HF patients.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the clinical indications for and evolving use of LVADs in heart failure patients.
- To describe continuous-flow LVAD physiology and common pump types.
- To discuss complications and future directions in LVAD therapy.
Main Methods:
- Review of the Interagency Registry for Mechanically Assisted Circulatory Support (IMACS) data.
- Analysis of landmark trials and recently published studies on LVAD outcomes.
- Literature search via PubMed for relevant clinical practice information.
Main Results:
- LVAD therapy is shifting towards use in less critically ill heart failure patients.
- Patients may become eligible for heart transplant after LVAD implantation.
- Myocardial recovery allowing device explantation is possible in a subset of patients.
Conclusions:
- LVADs are a crucial option for end-stage heart failure, expanding transplant eligibility and offering potential for recovery.
- Understanding LVAD physiology, indications, and complications is vital for clinicians.
- The field is evolving, with a trend towards earlier intervention and improved patient outcomes.
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