CHOP Pioneers Pediatric Heart Recovery Program Using Ventricular Assist Devices

New study shows 26% of children on VADs were able to have their devices removed after successful heart recovery.

Published on Feb. 4, 2026

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Researchers at Children's Hospital of Philadelphia (CHOP) have pioneered a specialized ventricular recovery program that has allowed 26% of pediatric patients supported by ventricular assist devices (VADs) to have their devices successfully removed. The program, which includes a standardized approach to assessing ventricular recovery, has led to positive short-term outcomes for these patients, with most continuing to live outside the hospital without the need for a heart transplant.

Why it matters

The use of VADs in children with severe heart failure is increasing, but they have traditionally been seen as a temporary solution until a heart transplant can be performed. CHOP's program suggests there may be higher than anticipated rates of heart recovery in children with cardiomyopathy supported by VADs, introducing a novel paradigm in which VADs can be used as tools for recovery rather than just bridges to transplant. This could significantly improve outcomes and quality of life for these patients.

The details

CHOP's specialized ventricular recovery program consists of four core components: 1) assessment of ventricular recovery for all patients on VADs for potential device explant, 2) universal utilization of reverse remodeling medications, 3) stepwise evaluation of ventricular function recovery, and 4) a multidisciplinary discussion to review findings. Over a 2-year period, 35 patients were supported with VADs, and 26% were able to have their devices successfully removed after demonstrating heart recovery. All of these patients were on multiple heart failure medications, indicating a potential link that warrants further research. Most recoveries occurred in infants, possibly due to their adaptable hearts or shorter heart failure durations prior to device implant.

  • The study was conducted over a 2-year period from 2022 to 2024.
  • CHOP implemented its specialized ventricular recovery program in 2022.

The players

Children's Hospital of Philadelphia (CHOP)

A non-profit, charitable organization and the nation's first pediatric hospital, known for its long-standing commitment to providing exceptional patient care, training new generations of pediatric healthcare professionals, and pioneering major research initiatives.

Jonathan Edelson, MD MSCE

The study's senior author and Medical Director of the Heart Transplant and Ventricular Assist Device Program at CHOP.

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What they’re saying

“The clinical implications of this approach are significant. It suggests there may be higher than anticipated rates of heart recovery in children with cardiomyopathy who are supported by VADs and introduces a novel paradigm in which VADs can be thought of as tools for recovery rather than just bridges to heart transplant.”

— Jonathan Edelson, Medical Director of the Heart Transplant and Ventricular Assist Device Program at CHOP

“For some families, opting for heart function recovery and device removal is preferable over a heart transplant, despite inherent risks. Procedures like cardiac resynchronization therapy during device removal could expand the pool of candidates for this option.”

— Jonathan Edelson, Medical Director of the Heart Transplant and Ventricular Assist Device Program at CHOP

What’s next

More research is needed to understand if similar ventricular recovery programs can be implemented at other hospitals, and what the long-term outcomes will be for these children.

The takeaway

CHOP's pioneering approach to using ventricular assist devices (VADs) as tools for heart recovery, rather than just as bridges to transplant, could significantly improve outcomes and quality of life for children with severe heart failure, potentially reducing the need for heart transplants.