title: Pediatric circulatory support systems.
abstract: Ventricular assist devices (VADs) are a valid option for long term circulatory support in pediatric patients with postoperative myocardial failure or debilitating heart defects. Most clinical experience to date has involved the short-term support of patients weighing 6 kg and larger. For cases of VAD implementation in pediatric patients, the assist device showed tremendous promise in reversing cardiac failure and providing adequate support as a bridge to cardiac transplantation. The Medos-HIA system, Berlin Heart, Medtronic Bio-Medicus Pump, Abiomed BVS 5000, Toyobo-Zeon pumps, and Hemopumps have proven successful for short-term circulatory support for the pediatric population. The Jarvik 2000 and Pierce-Donachy pediatric system further demonstrate the potential to be used for pediatric circulatory support. The clinical and experimental success of these support systems provide encouragement to believe that long-term support is possible.
authors.affiliation: Biomedical Engineering Department, Virginia Artificial Heart Center, University of Virginia, Charlottesville 22903-2442, USA.
authors.forename: Amy L
authors.initials: AL
authors.lastname: Throckmorton
authors.forename: Paul E
authors.initials: PE
authors.lastname: Allaire
authors.forename: Howard P
authors.initials: HP
authors.lastname: Gutgesell
authors.forename: Gaynell P
authors.initials: GP
authors.lastname: Matherne
authors.forename: Don B
authors.initials: DB
authors.lastname: Olsen
authors.forename: Houston G
authors.initials: HG
authors.lastname: Wood
authors.forename: Janet H
authors.initials: JH
authors.lastname: Allaire
authors.forename: Sonna M
authors.initials: SM
authors.lastname: Patel
mesh_terms: D002648:Child; D015199:Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation; D006353:Heart-Assist Devices; D006801:Humans; D007423:Intra-Aortic Balloon Pumping