Implantation of Left Ventricular Assist Device (LVAD) in Juvenile Landrace Swine: A LVAD Implantation Model of Pediatric Heart Failure

A pediatric left ventricular assist device (LVAD) implantation model was established to simulate pediatric LVAD support and research the mechanism of heart reverse remodeling. Heart failure (HF) is a prevalent global cardiovascular disease. LVAD implantation is an essential method to treat HF. However, existing pediatric LVAD implantation models remain underdeveloped, and the mechanism of LVAD treatment resulting in ventricular reverse remodeling was unclear, especially among children, though there was a lot of research uncovering the possible target. Therefore, it's necessary to find out the mechanism, especially in children. A good model is the foundation for testing the function of a new pediatric LVAD and disclosing the key mechanism. We established a young landrace pig LVAD implantation model, which could be used to assume pediatric LVAD security and effectiveness. After the LVAD was implanted, the LVAD pump maintained stable and uninterrupted blood flow for over 1 month. Besides, the vital signs, including hemodynamics, were stable and within the ideal and normal ranges. This model accurately replicates hemodynamic conditions in clinical patients post-LVAD implantation. It could be used to trace the continuous changes after LVAD implantation. At the same time, it can be used to disclose the reactivity and safety of child LVAD implantation. This protocol is an easy and standard general process to build a uniformization model for child LVAD implantation research.