Children waiting for a new heart often face long waits. Some doctors use a temporary heart pump called a VAD to keep them alive. A large review looked at five studies involving 3,247 identified cases to see if this pump helps kids survive longer after getting the new organ. The answer was no. Using the pump before the transplant did not change long-term survival rates compared to children who waited without one. The risk of dying remained the same for both groups.
However, there is a serious trade-off. Children who used the pump before the transplant faced a much higher risk of having a stroke after the surgery. The odds of a stroke were more than double for those who used the device. This is a significant safety concern that families and doctors must weigh carefully.
Other outcomes showed mixed results. The length of time spent in the hospital did not differ between the two groups. The risk of the new heart being rejected by the body also showed no significant difference. While the pump does not extend life, it does add a specific danger of stroke that requires careful consideration.