Mechanical circulatory support for the right ventricle in combination with a left ventricular assist device

Introduction: Right heart failure (RHF) in patients with a left ventricular assist device (LVAD) carries a poor prognosis although the treatment strategy including mechanical circulatory support for the failing right ventricle (RV) has not been well established. Areas covered: In this review, we describe an overview of RHF post-LVAD implant including natural history, prevalence, pathophysiology, outcomes, and challenges to predict RHF post-LVAD implant. Then, we focus on right ventricular assist devices (RVADs) and their clinical outcomes. Recently developed percutaneous RVADs are the major advance in this field. Finally, we discuss future perspectives to overcome limitations of the current treatment options. Expert opinion: In the absence of dedicated RVAD system RHF post-LVAD implant may have been undertreated. Now that dedicated percutaneous RVADs have emerged, surgeons are encouraged to use these new devices to improve outcomes of LVAD therapy. As experience accumulates, we should be able to establish the best possible strategy to treat early RHF post-LVAD implant. Late RHF is another form of RHF post-LVAD implant and has been underappreciated. Further research is mandatory to clarify the mechanism and risk factors. There are still unmet needs for a dedicated implantable RVAD for a subset of patients who need long-term RV support.