Looking to the future of ventricular assist devices in pediatric cardiomyopathy

The field of mechanical circulatory support, in particular ventricular assist devices (VADs), has evolved rapidly over the past decade. Recently, experts and investigators with interest in pediatric cardiomyopathy met and discussed the future and challenges of research for pediatric VADs, amongst other topics, at the 3rd International Conference on Cardiomyopathy in Children sponsored by the Children's Cardiomyopathy Foundation. In regards to the future research and development of VADs for this population, several priorities were emphasized including 1) the development of integrated registries and databases that would allow for improved understanding across the spectrum of VAD support in children, 2) the design of studies to better understand myocardial recovery and the role of VAD support in myocardial recovery, and 3) collaboration amongst medical experts in the field of pediatric cardiomyopathy, biomedical engineers, and industry to foster development of smaller and improved VADs that meet the needs of pediatric patients. This commentary reviews existing literature and the rationale for such priorities.