Mechanical Circulatory Support: Ventricular Assist Devices and Temporary Hemodynamic Support

This chapter reviews the rapidly advancing field of mechanical circulatory support (MCS), from short-term hemodynamic stabilization with intra-aortic balloon pumps and percutaneous ventricular assist devices to long-term destination therapy and bridge-to-transplant strategies with durable left ventricular assist devices (LVADs). It examines the latest device iterations, patient selection frameworks, anticoagulation management, and adverse event mitigation strategies informed by contemporary clinical evidence. The chapter also addresses the integration of MCS with cardiac transplantation and total artificial heart programs.