Bridge to transplantation with a Thoratec left ventricular assist device in a 17-kg child.
A Thoratec left ventricular assist device (LVAD) was used to support a 7-year-old 17-kg boy with viral cardiomyopathy for 23 days before heart transplantation. The boy is still living more than 1 year posttransplant, and functional except for some spastic paresis of the left hand, a residual from a stroke during device support. He is the smallest person to be supported with this device. We discuss techniques for using the Thoratec in children.
Copeland
J G
JG
Section of Cardiovascular and Thoracic Surgery and Artificial Heart Program, University Medical Center, University of Arizona, Tucson, USA. jgc@u.arizona.edu
Arabia
F A
FA
Smith
R G
RG
D001835:Body Weight; D002648:Child; D016027:Heart Transplantation; D006353:Heart-Assist Devices; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D011300:Preoperative Care