Limitations to Chronic Right Ventricular Assist Device Support

Failure of the right ventricle represents a significant clinical problem and may have different causes, with rates varying between 5% and 50% in patients supported by a left ventricular assist device (LVAD). However, treatment options and device development for right ventricular failure (RVF) have significantly lagged behind those for LVADs. Newer technologies designed or adapted for RV support are needed to provide adequate long-term circulatory support. In this review, we discuss (1) the significance of RVF and its physiologic implications, (2) device constraints affecting treatment options for RVF, and (3) implantable VADs potentially available for RV support.