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Implantation of Left Ventricular Assist Device (LVAD) in Juvenile Landrace Swine: A LVAD Implantation Model of Pediatric Heart Failure
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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

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Acute and Long-Term Effects of LVAD Support on Right Ventricular Function in Children with Pediatric Pulsatile

Roberta Iacobelli1, Arianna Di Molfetta1, Gianluca Brancaccio1

  • 1From the Department of Cardiology and Cardiac Surgery, Bambino Gesù Pediatric Hospital, Rome, Italy.

ASAIO Journal (American Society for Artificial Internal Organs : 1992)
|May 17, 2017
PubMed

Insights

Left ventricular assist device (LVAD) implantation in children improves right ventricular (RV) function initially. However, long-term RV function may decline, necessitating careful monitoring for right ventricular failure (RVF).

Area of Science:

  • Pediatric Cardiology
  • Cardiovascular Surgery
  • Medical Device Technology

Background:

  • Right ventricular failure (RVF) is a critical concern in pediatric left ventricular assist device (LVAD) recipients.
  • Understanding LVAD's impact on right ventricular (RV) function is crucial for managing pediatric heart failure.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To evaluate the effects of Berlin Heart EXCOR LVAD on RV function in pediatric patients.
  • To assess RV function changes before and after LVAD implantation at various follow-up intervals.

Main Methods:

  • Retrospective review of clinical and echocardiographic data from 27 pediatric patients receiving isolated LVAD.
  • Focus on RV fractional area change (RVFAC) and strain values at baseline, and 1, 3, and 6 months post-implantation.

Main Results:

  • RV function, measured by RVFAC, significantly improved by the 3-month follow-up (43.13%, p=0.033) after LVAD implantation.
  • RV strain also showed improvement at 1 month (p=0.022).
  • While initial RV function improved, late RVF occurred in 7.4% by 6 months, indicating reduced long-term benefits.

Conclusions:

  • Pulsatile-flow LVADs in children facilitate RV decompression and improve RV function in the short term (1-3 months).
  • Long-term RV function may decline, with potential for late RVF despite continued LVAD support.
  • Continuous monitoring of RV function is essential for pediatric LVAD patients.

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