PURPOSE OF REVIEW: As permanent support with ventricular assist devices (VADs) has become a reality and increasing numbers of patients are being supported for several years, the interactions between the VAD and the body and the management of complications during life-long support have gained the interest of clinicians and biomedical engineers. RECENT FINDINGS: Several interactions between the body and the implanted pump, including changes in the coagulation system, structure and function of the aortic valve, VAD-related infections, and technical failure as well as psychosocial aspects and their specific management have been described. SUMMARY: With enormous progress made in VAD technology, the incidence of complications has decreased over the years. However, with longer times of support, many aspects of the interaction between the implanted pump and the patient's body have been recognized. The management of these interactions and possible complications remain challenging, but it is possible to achieve long-term event-free VAD support.
PURPOSE OF REVIEW: As permanent support with ventricular assist devices (VADs) has become a reality and increasing numbers of patients are being supported for several years, the interactions between the VAD and the body and the management of complications during life-long support have gained the interest of clinicians and biomedical engineers. RECENT FINDINGS: Several interactions between the body and the implanted pump, including changes in the coagulation system, structure and function of the aortic valve, VAD-related infections, and technical failure as well as psychosocial aspects and their specific management have been described. SUMMARY: With enormous progress made in VAD technology, the incidence of complications has decreased over the years. However, with longer times of support, many aspects of the interaction between the implanted pump and the patient's body have been recognized. The management of these interactions and possible complications remain challenging, but it is possible to achieve long-term event-free VAD support.
Authors: Alexander Stepanenko; Evgenij V Potapov; Yuguo Weng; Miralem Pasic; Thomas Krabatsch; Roland Hetzer Journal: Ann Cardiothorac Surg Date: 2014-11
Authors: Vasileios Exarchos; Ema Zacharova; Sebastian Neuber; Costanza Giampietro; Sarah E Motta; Hristian Hinkov; Maximilian Y Emmert; Timo Z Nazari-Shafti Journal: Front Cardiovasc Med Date: 2022-09-14