"Further technological Progress leads us to expect even more miniaturized systems with transcutaneous energy supply and control. This way, driveline infections could be reduced and quality of life improved. Currently, local heat development and technical safety are still being tested. In addition, extra-cardiac heart support systems are being developed that do not need blood contact and thus prevent blood trauma.

It is highly anticipated whether interventionally implantable systems such as Impella 2,5 can achieve higher flow rates thus qualifying as VAD therapy that could be used more frequently or even at centers without a heart surgery department. Lastly, improvements and developments in the field of TAH give hope for biventricular support systems in the future.

For an imminently upcoming generation of cardiac assist systems we expect to see further miniaturization allowing for minimally invasive implementation. In the future, there will be no need for a pump pocket nor a driveline. Furthermore, anticoagulation will be of less interest due to modern coatings and improved biocompatibility."

Christian Heim, Michael Weyand, Rene Tandler: Mechanical Circulatory Support - Indications, Applications, Complications
In: Tschaut, Dreher, Rosenthal, Walczak (Eds.)
Extracorporeal Circulation in Theory and Practice
Pabst, 736 pages. Hardcover
ISBN 978-3-95853-545-9. eBook 978-3-95853-546-6
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