Ventricular assist devices are here to stay and will stand the test of time. The imagina- tive frontier is a reality with multiple venues for active clinical, basic and translational research. Clinically applicable assist devices for short-, intermediate- and long-term support have improved signifi cantly in the last ten years. Current devices are down- sizing with enhanced durability and reliability. The associated complication burden including thomboembolism and hemolysis remain a limitation that is not insurmount- able in the near future. Patient selection and technical surgical performance are the key aspects to successful surgical outcome following device insertion. The assist devices will.
