Durable left ventricular assist devices as a bridge to transplantation: what to expect along the way?

ABSTRACT

INTRODUCTION: The scarcity of donors coupled with the improvements in left ventricular assist devices (LVAD) technology has led to the use of LVAD as a bridge to transplantation (BTT). AREAS COVERED The authors provide an overview of the current status of LVAD BTT implantation with special focus ranging from patient selection and pre-implantation optimization to post-transplant outcomes. EXPERT OPINION The United Network for Organ Sharing 2018 policy amendment resulted in a significant reduction in the number of LVADs used for BTT in the US. To overcome this issue, modifications in the US allocation policy to consider factors such as days on device support, age, and type of complications may be necessary to potentially increase implantation rates.