Worldwide research trends on left ventricular assist devices for heart failure: a bibliometric analysis

With advancements in medicine, left ventricular assist devices (LVADs) have emerged as a viable treatment option for heart failure (HF). Numerous experts have examined the primary challenges and societal implications associated with the use of LVADs in managing heart failure. This study seeks to analyze the global literature on LVADs for the treatment of heart failure published between 2004 and 2024, aiming to identify key research hotspots and emerging trends within this field.

This study conducted a bibliometric review of literature on LVADs for the treatment of heart failure from 2004 to 2024. Visual analysis was conducted on a total of 871 publications using CiteSpace (version 5.8) and VOSviewer (version 1.6.15.0).

Over the past two decades, research on LVADs has developed continuously, accompanied by a stable annual growth in publications. The United States contributed the largest number of publications (187 articles), followed by other highly active countries and research networks. Columbia University was the most productive institution, while Rogers Joseph G and Farra David J were the most prolific authors. Keyword analysis indicated that "left ventricular assist device" was the core terminology, reflecting the central focus of global research. Further thematic analysis revealed principal research themes including device optimization, clinical outcomes and complication management, patient selection and prognostic evaluation, and long-term quality of life in supported patients.

The field of left ventricular adjuvant therapy for heart failure has undergone steady development for 20 years and has now begun to show results. The results of this bibliometric analysis provide ideas and references for future researchers to further promote the development of this field.