ABSTRACT
Substantial progress in the field of mechanical circulatory support
(MCS) has expanded the treatment options for patients with
advanced-stage heart failure (HF). Currently available MCS devices can
be implanted percutaneously or surgically. They can also be configured
to support the left, right, or both ventricles, offering varying levels
of circulatory support. Short-term temporary MCS devices are primarily
used in high-risk percutaneous coronary intervention, cardiogenic shock,
and post-cardiac arrest, while durable left ventricular assist systems
(LVAS) are increasingly utilized either as a bridge-to-transplant,
bridge to decision, or as a destination therapy. The evolution from
older pulsatile devices to continuous-flow LVAS and the incorporation of
smaller pumps, with no valves, fewer moving parts, and improved
hemocompatibility has translated into improved clinical outcomes,
greater durability, fewer adverse events, and reduced overall cost of
care. However, despite marked advances in device design and clinical
management, determining MCS candidacy is often difficult and requires
the integration of clinical, biomarker, imaging, exercise, and
hemodynamic data. This review aims to provide a summary of the current
use of short-term and durable MCS devices in the treatment of
advanced-stage HF, highlighting several aspects of LVAS support and the
challenges that remain.