VADs

Double Bridge to Heart Transplantation: Outcomes of Early vs Delayed Extra Corporeal Membrane Oxygenator Crossover in Pediatric Population

This study evaluates the progression of the distal aorta in patients with acute type A aortic dissection complicated by malperfusion syndrome who were treated with endovascular fenestration/stenting followed by delayed open aortic repair, finding that although these patients had faster distal aortic growth, their long-term survival and reoperation rates were similar to those without malperfusion syndrome.

Double Bridge to Heart Transplantation: Outcomes of Early vs Delayed Extra Corporeal Membrane Oxygenator Crossover in Pediatric Population Read More »

The Heart of Innovation: Dr. Rich Wampler’s Journey from Loss to Life-Saving Discovery

Driven by the loss of his grandfather, Dr. Rich Wampler revolutionized how the world treats heart failure. From the creation of the first implantable rotary blood pump to the development of the HeartMate II and HeartWare HVAD, his groundbreaking work has saved hundreds of thousands of lives – and continues to shape the future of circulatory support.

The Heart of Innovation: Dr. Rich Wampler’s Journey from Loss to Life-Saving Discovery Read More »

The Pulse eNewsletter November 2025

The Pulse — Nov 2025

Happy Fall to All! We have many exciting updates to share, such as new pediatric Impella education materials for Providers and Patients/Families, a debrief of our incredibly successful first VAD Bootcamp, and many new publications and other tools. As we move into the holiday season, we reflect on our continued appreciation and thankfulness for the engagement and collaboration from all stakeholders that continue to excel our research, quality improvement, education, and advocacy efforts.

The Pulse — Nov 2025 Read More »

iDECIDE-VAD-PEDIATRIC: Development of a Decision Aid to Assist Children and Their Caregivers When Considering a Ventricular Assist Device

The iDECIDE-VAD-PEDIATRIC decision aid was developed to help families and clinicians navigate the unique challenges of pediatric ventricular assist device implantation by promoting consistent, values-based, and equitable decision-making.

iDECIDE-VAD-PEDIATRIC: Development of a Decision Aid to Assist Children and Their Caregivers When Considering a Ventricular Assist Device Read More »

Critical care management of right ventricular failure in pediatric left ventricular assist devices: An advanced cardiac therapies improving outcomes network (ACTION) endorsed statement

Right ventricular failure (RVF) after left ventricular assist device (LVAD) implantation is a major cause of morbidity and mortality. This review offers pediatric-focused guidance on perioperative RV management, emphasizing pathophysiology, hemodynamics, and targeted interventions to optimize outcomes.

Critical care management of right ventricular failure in pediatric left ventricular assist devices: An advanced cardiac therapies improving outcomes network (ACTION) endorsed statement Read More »

The Pulse — Aug 2025

We hope you are enjoying your summer vacations and finding time to rest and rejuvenate with your families! ACTION has been busy with new publications, tools, resources, and projects (see links and features below). We are thrilled to announce the launch of our new VAD Adverse Event Definitions! These new and updated definitions will help us capture events more accurately and efficiently. The DCC also streamlined fields, improved forms, and added instructional text throughout to make data entry easier and faster. Thanks to all those who worked on this important project! Lastly, we are now taking proposals for ISHLT 2026, see more details below on the submission process.

The Pulse — Aug 2025 Read More »

CentriMag

Contemporary Outcomes of Mechanical Circulatory Support Using Paracorporeal Continuous Flow Pump in Children: A Report From the ACTION Learning Network

This multicenter study of 367 children from the ACTION network found that 78% had a positive outcome with paracorporeal continuous flow (pCF) mechanical support. Children with congenital heart disease had lower success rates and higher mortality than those without CHD.

Contemporary Outcomes of Mechanical Circulatory Support Using Paracorporeal Continuous Flow Pump in Children: A Report From the ACTION Learning Network Read More »