Chinese expert consensus on emergency management of patients with implantable left ventricular assist device (2026 edition)
- VernacularTitle:植入式左心室辅助装置患者紧急情况处理中国专家共识（2026版）
- Author:
Dingqian LIU
1
;
Guoguang MA
2
;
Guangwei HAO
2
;
Xianqiang WANG
3
;
Chunsheng WANG
1
;
Xiaoning SUN
1
Author Information
1. Department of Cardiac Surgery, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, P. R. China
2. Cardiac Intensive Care Center, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, P. R. China
3. Department of Cardiac Surgery, Fuwai Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing, 100037, P. R. China
- Publication Type:Journal Article
- Keywords:
Implantable left ventricular assist device;
emergency management;
low flow;
pump thrombosis;
right ventricular failure;
cardiopulmonary resuscitation;
expert consensus
- From:
Chinese Journal of Clinical Thoracic and Cardiovascular Surgery
2026;33(05):674-685
- CountryChina
- Language:Chinese
-
Abstract:
Standardizing the emergency assessment and management process for patients with implantable continuous-flow left ventricular assist device (LVAD) in emergency and intensive care settings is of great significance for reducing delays in diagnosis and treatment, lowering the mortality associated with LVAD-related emergencies, and improving overall prognosis and long-term survival. To this end, a multidisciplinary expert committee was convened to develop this consensus, integrating international evidence-based findings with clinical practice experience in China, with an emphasis on highlighting the characteristics of domestically manufactured devices. The aim is to establish an actionable standardized emergency management protocol to enhance clinical identification and response efficiency, reduce the risk of LVAD-related emergencies, and improve patient outcomes. Using a modified Delphi method, this consensus proposes a structured decision-making pathway that integrates an "ABC" rapid assessment with parallel device troubleshooting, prioritizing the use of point-of-care echocardiography for hemodynamic evaluation and complication assessment. Key emergency scenarios covered include low-flow alarms, pump thrombosis, right heart dysfunction, bleeding and anticoagulation imbalance, arrhythmias, and cardiac arrest. This consensus applies to implantable continuous-flow LVADs commonly used in China, including domestically manufactured devices such as Corheart 6, CH-VAD, EVAHEART, and HeartCon, as well as the imported device HeartMate 3.
