Abstract
Ventricular assist device (VAD) support for children has advanced tremendously in the last 5years. This is attributable to the adoption of newer generation intracorporeal devices, originally intended for use in adults, but small enough for children. Having access to additional VAD options has opened the door to new indications of VAD use in children beyond just bridge to transplant. Today, bridge to decision, bridge to transplant candidacy, destination therapy, and potentially bridge to recovery are all established and viable therapeutic strategies. However, as the field grows, with ever more device options and support strategies, we are faced with more decisions to reconcile. Initially the looming question was “who needs a VAD” but now we also need to address a myriad of other considerations that are a direct result of the burgeoning growth in device options and applications. In this chapter, we will address the decisions that face the pediatric heart failure cardiologist in supporting the advanced heart failure patient from VAD evaluation to implantation and beyond.
Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Free) 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a call
