ABSTRACT
The preceding chapters reveal the many technical innovations in mechanical circulatory support that have been developed over the past several years. Emerging technologies offer several new therapies for patients in this area. However, the rapid technical advances have not been accompanied by comparable research into many basic mechanisms, which may be altered by these therapies. Indeed, review of the medical and scientific literature reveals a paucity of research regarding ventricular remodeling and/or disruption of hormonal and metabolic homeostasis during prolonged support through extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) or left ventricular assist devices (LVADs) in the pediatric population. In this chapter, we will review findings related to myocardial remodeling during mechanical circulatory support in adult patients. These findings and specific theories related to them will be considered with respect to their possible relevance in the pediatric patient.
