Left Ventricular Assist Devices and Pregnancy: Systematic Review of Existing Literature and Case Report

Although pregnancy is generally contraindi-cated in advanced heart failure (AHF), successful pregnancies have been observed in patients with left ventricular assist devices (LVADs). The number of pregnancies in patients with LVADs is increasing, yet optimal management strategies remain undefined. Additionally, no successful pregnancies have been reported with the HeartMate 3 (HM3) (Abbott) LVAD. A systematic review of pregnancy in patients with LVADs was prepared utilizing 3 major scientific databases. We also present the first reported case of successful pregnancy and delivery in a patient sup-ported by an HM3 LVAD. The systematic search yielded 95 results. After filtering to include only rele-vant citations, eight unique cases were identified. Cases were compared on the basis of several clinical factors. Although pregnancies supported by LVADs are medi-cally complex, several cases of successful deliveries have been observed. Clinical management between cases, however, did vary significantly. Several areas requiring further study were identified. (Curr Probl Cardiol 2023;48:101469.)