Current status of left ventricular assist device technology.

The use of long-term left ventricular assist devices (LVADs) has revolutionized the treatment of end-stage heart failure. The most significant advance in this field has been the longer durability of devices secondary to a simpler pump design with fewer or no mechanical bearings and valves. Continuous-flow LVADs have recently been shown to provide safe and effective circulatory support and have replaced the first-generation fill-to-empty devices. The Thoratec HeartMate II and the HeartWare HVAD are currently the 2 most commonly implanted LVADs worldwide. As LVAD technology moves forward and new miniaturized, more durable, and reliable pumps are being developed, the number of recipients who will benefit from this technology continues to grow. Elimination of the driveline with fully implantable pumps, implantation of miniature pumps with minimally invasive surgical techniques, wireless data transmission, and improved patient selection will further transform this field in the next few years.