Mechanical circulatory support has been an indispensable treatment for severe heart failure. While the development of a total artificial heart has failed, left ventricular assist devices (LVAD) have evolved from extracorporeal to implantable types. The first generation implantable LVAD (pulsatile device) was used as a bridge to transplantation, and demonstrated improvement in survival rate and activity of daily living. The evolution from the first-generation (pulsatile device) to the second-generation (continuous flow device: axial flow pump and centrifugal pump) has resulted in many clinical benefits by reducing mechanical failures and minimizing device size. Furthermore, third-generation devices, which use a moving impeller suspended by magnetic and/or hydrodynamic forces, have improved overall device reliability and durability. Unfortunately, there are still many device-related complications, and further device development and improvement of patient management methods are required. However, we expect to see further development of implantable VADs, including for destination therapy, in future.
Keywords: Congestive heart failure; continuous-flow pump; heart transplantation; implantable LVAD; left ventricular assist device; total artificial heart.