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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.
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.
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