Postoperative care after left ventricular assist device implantation: considerations for the cardiac surgical intensivist

Heart failure is a leading cause of morbidity and mortality, the incidence of which is predicted to continue to increase as the population ages. Left ventricular assist devices (LVADs) in particular have emerged as important therapies for the support of patients with advanced heart failure needing short- or long-term mechanical circulatory support. With over 5000 implantations per year, LVADs are the most commonly used durable devices worldwide. In this article, we provide an overview of the intensive care management of patients with LVADs during the early post-implantation period.