Left Ventricular Assist Device (LVAD) therapy has transformed the management of advanced heart failure, offering durable mechanical support for patients who are no longer adequately controlled with medical therapy alone. An LVAD partially or completely takes over the pumping function of the left ventricle, restoring forward flow, improving organ perfusion and providing symptom relief in patients with severely reduced ejection fraction. As the evidence base expands and devices become smaller, more durable and easier to implant, clinicians around the world increasingly search for focused learning on Left Ventricular Assist Device management when they plan their education or look for a specialised cardiology conference that covers mechanical support options in depth.

This session examines LVAD therapy across the full continuum of care: bridge to transplant, bridge to decision, destination therapy and temporary support in cardiogenic shock. Faculty review current indications, contraindications and risk stratification tools that help determine which patients are most likely to benefit. Emphasis is placed on balancing the benefits of improved survival, functional capacity and quality of life against the risks of bleeding, stroke, infection, right heart failure and device malfunction. Attendees will learn how to integrate LVAD discussions into multidisciplinary heart failure clinics, transplant meetings and advanced heart team pathways, ensuring that suitable patients are identified and optimally prepared.

A strong focus is placed on the practical aspects of mechanical circulatory support. The session explores how haemodynamic principles, ventricular unloading, right ventricular interaction and systemic vascular resistance influence device selection and speed optimisation. Participants gain insight into ramp studies, invasive and non-invasive monitoring strategies and how to interpret clinical signs, imaging and haemodynamic data when adjusting LVAD settings. Special attention is given to perioperative and early post-operative management, including volume status optimisation, inotrope weaning, arrhythmia control and right ventricular support.

Long-term management is another key pillar of this programme. The session covers chronic anticoagulation strategies, antiplatelet therapy, management of gastrointestinal bleeding, pump thrombosis, driveline infections and device alarms. Case-based discussions illustrate how to handle common and complex scenarios encountered in outpatient LVAD clinics, from blood pressure assessment and chronic kidney disease to pregnancy counselling, exercise prescriptions and psychosocial support. The role of palliative care and shared decision-making is highlighted, particularly for destination therapy patients with competing frailty, comorbidities and evolving goals of care.

Device evolution and innovation are woven throughout the discussion. Attendees will hear about the latest generations of continuous-flow pumps, fully magnetically levitated systems, miniaturised devices and emerging fully implantable systems without transcutaneous drivelines. The session also examines how LVAD programmes can use remote monitoring, telehealth follow-up and digital tools to improve early detection of complications, support patient self-management and streamline multidisciplinary review. By the end of this session, participants will be better equipped to evaluate advanced heart failure candidates, collaborate within an LVAD team, refine management strategies and counsel patients and families with clarity and confidence.