Transitioning Pediatric Patients with Ventricular Assist Devices Home: Key Components of the Discharge Process and Outpatient Management

Pediatric patients with surgically placed ventricular assist devices (VADs) are a specialized population. Miniaturization of certain types of adult intracorporeal continuous flow VADs, such as HeartMate 2[TM] and HeartMate 3[TM], has enabled children ages 4 to 19 years diagnosed with heart failure to receive a VAD. These children can experience the benefits of being discharged home from the hospital and returning to their normal daily routines. Understanding the extensive process of transitioning these patients home with their VADs and the complexity of managing these patients in the outpatient setting is essential to avoid rehospitalization and potential complications. This process requires an interdisciplinary team approach with the patient and caregivers to facilitate a smooth, successful transition home. This article provides a brief overview of pediatric VADs and their use, explores the discharge process of pediatric patients with VADs, and emphasizes key components required for successful outpatient management of these patients. Using PubMed, the author conducted a clinical review of the literature from 2012 through 2022 on the discharge process and aspects of outpatient management of pediatric patients with VADs. Keywords: Pediatric, ventricular assist device, discharge, outpatient management.