Mechanical Circulatory Support for the Failing Sub-Aortic Right Ventricle in Adults

Special Considerations for Mechanical Circulatory Support or Device Therapy in Adult Congenital Heart Disease Heart Failure

Heart failure has become the leading cause of mortality in adult congenital heart disease (ACHD) patients after the fifth decade of life. There is scanty evidence supporting the use of guideline-directed medical therapy in ACHD, especially in systemic right ventricle or single ventricle physiology. In complex patients, diagnosing heart failure and timely referral for advanced therapies are challenging. Mechanical circulatory support has been significantly developed over the past decade and has recently emerged as a feasible therapeutic option for these patients. This review summarizes current evidence of mechanical circulatory support in this population, its potential uses, and challenges.

Novel Therapeutic Strategies in Heart Failure in Adult Congenital Heart Disease: of Medicines and Devices

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

This paper reviews the latest literature on the growing field of heart failure in the adult congenital heart disease population.

RECENT FINDINGS

After highlighting the increasing prevalence and a few of the unique potential causes, including the concept of early senescence, this review begins with novel medical management strategies such as the angiotensin II receptor blocker and neprilysin inhibitors and sodium glucose cotransporter-2 inhibitors. Then, it addresses the latest applications of percutaneous techniques like implantable hemodynamic monitoring, transcatheter pulmonary and aortic valve replacement, and mitral clips. Cardiac resynchronization therapy and novel lymphatic system imaging and intervention are then described. Finally, the use of mechanical support devices, temporary and durable, is discussed as well as heart and combined heart and liver transplantation. There have been recent exciting advances in the strategies used to manage adult congenital heart disease patients with heart failure. As this population continues to grow, it is likely we will see further rapid evolution in this field.

Durable Mechanical Circulatory Support in Adult Congenital Heart Disease: Reviewing Clinical Considerations and Experience

Adults with congenital heart disease (ACHD) patients are one of the fastest growing populations in cardiology, and heart failure (HF) is the most common cause of morbidity and mortality amongst them. The need for advanced HF therapies in ACHD patients stands to grow substantially. The anatomic considerations for placing durable mechanical circulatory support (MCS) devices in ACHD patients often require specialized approaches. Despite this, increasing evidence suggests that durable MCS can be implanted safely with favorable outcomes in ACHD patients. Expansion of MCS use in ACHD patients is imperative to improve their clinical outcomes. Knowledge of ACHD-specific anatomic and physiologic considerations is crucial to HF programs’ success as they work to provide care to this growing population.