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Updated: Nov 15, 2025

Insertion, Maintenance, and Removal of the Percutaneous Dual Lumen Cannula Right Ventricular Assist Device
Published on: July 20, 2022
Right heart failure considerations in pediatric ventricular assist devices
Sabrina P Law1, David L S Morales2, Ming-Sing Si3
1Morgan Stanley Children's Hospital of New York, New York, NY, USA.
Insights
Right heart failure after pediatric left ventricular assist device (LVAD) implantation is a significant challenge. This review shares best practices to improve outcomes for children with LVADs.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric cardiology
- Mechanical circulatory support
- Pediatric cardiac surgery
Background:
- Right heart failure (RHF) complicates pediatric left ventricular assist device (LVAD) implantation.
- RHF adversely affects transplant eligibility and survival in pediatric patients.
- Limited pediatric-specific evidence exists to guide RHF management post-LVAD.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the current literature on pediatric RHF after LVAD.
- To describe a harmonized approach to RHF management from the ACTION network.
- To enhance RHF outcomes by sharing best practices in the pediatric VAD community.
Main Methods:
- Comprehensive literature review focused on pediatric RHF and LVADs.
- Synthesis of existing evidence and clinical experience.
- Description of a consensus-based management strategy.
Main Results:
- Identified key challenges and risk factors for RHF in pediatric LVAD patients.
- Outlined a structured approach for anticipation, prevention, and early identification of RHF.
- Provided guidance on medical and device management strategies for RHF.
Conclusions:
- Effective management of RHF is crucial for successful pediatric LVAD outcomes.
- A harmonized, evidence-informed approach can improve RHF care.
- Sharing best practices across the pediatric VAD community is essential for advancing patient care.
Abstract:
Right heart failure (RHF) is a vexing problem in children after left ventricular assist device (LVAD) implantation that can negatively impact transplant candidacy and survival. Anticipation, prevention, early identification and appropriate medical and device management of RHF are important to successful LVAD outcomes. However, there is limited pediatric evidence to guide practice. This pediatric-focused review summarizes the relevant literature and describes the harmonized approach to RHF from the Advanced Cardiac Therapies Improving Outcomes Network (ACTION). This review seeks to improve RHF outcomes through the sharing of best practices and experience across the pediatric VAD community.
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