Biventricular Assist Devices (BiVADs)

Heart failure is a leading cause of morbidity and mortality in the USA. The gold-standard treatment for end-stage heart failure is heart transplant. This chapter discusses continuous flow biventricular support devices, with focus on indications, device types, implantation techniques, and associated outcome. Over the following years, the number of implanted biventricular assist devices (BiVADs) continued to grow, albeit at a slow pace. The medical treatment for RVF begins with the identification and treatment of any reversible cause that could negatively impact RV function. A standard midline sternotomy approach is the most widely used for durable BiVAD implantation. Cardiopulmonary bypass is instituted via bicaval venous return and ascending aorta cannulation providing hemodynamic stability for VAD implantation. Biventricular mechanical support has a role in the armamentarium of biventricular heart failure management for carefully selected patients.