Advancements in Ventricular Assist Device Technology: Paving the Way for Development of Next-Generation Devices and Improving Clinical Outcomes

The Gordon Research Seminar on Assisted Circulation provides a unique forum for graduate students and postdoctoral fellows, as well as junior level clinicians and clinician-scientists (less than 5 years from highest level of training/education), and any other scientists with comparable levels of training, to present and exchange data, form collaborations on new research ideas and ultimately advance the science of current- and future-generation mechanical circulatory support technologies, and develop novel methods to improve clinical outcomes.

The focus of the meeting is to present the latest research in engineering of left ventricular assist devices (LVADs) and clinical care of patients with advanced heart failure who require mechanical circulatory support. Specific topics of interest include, but are not limited to: advancements in device design, biomaterials, controller algorithms, cannula modifications, sensor technology, device miniaturization, driveline elimination, remote monitoring, physiology of pulsatile and nonpulsatile flow, innovative surgical approach/techniques, as well as patient risk stratification and methods to reduce the rates of known LVAD complications such as infection, stroke, RV failure, hemolysis/thrombosis and gastrointestinal bleeding.