The Future of the Machines

Much progress has been made to enhance the safety and durability of left ventricular assist devices (LVADs). However, are we satisfied with the current status of LVADs? These presentations and debates will highlight progress in durable mechanical circulatory devices and discuss factors influencing decisions for LVAD or transplantation especially in younger patients. Talks will focus on: (1) progress in the durable mechanical circulatory support space; (2) the merits of short term LVAD as bridge to transplantation versus direct to transplantation strategies; (3) controversies in LVAD utilization, focusing on age and comorbidities such as renal failure and cirrhosis; and (4) next frontiers in LVAD technology with a focus on improvement in pump size, internalized driveline, further improvements in programming, and hemocompatibility.