Berlin Heart ventricular assist device in a child with hypoplastic left heart syndrome.
We report the implantation of a Berlin Heart ventricular assist device (VAD) in a 4-year-old boy with hypoplastic left heart syndrome previously palliated with Norwood and Glenn operations, who presented with progressive ventricular failure and hypoxemia. Insertion of a 30-mL pneumatic pediatric pump with cannulation of the systemic right ventricle and aorta had a salutary effect on cardiac output, improving oxygen saturations. While awaiting heart transplantation, multiple thromboembolic complications developed and he died, despite therapeutic heparinization and aspirin therapy. Important lessons learned about VAD support in Glenn physiology, anticoagulation, and complications of the Berlin Heart are discussed.
Chu
Michael W A
MW
Division of Pediatric Cardiovascular Surgery, Montreal Children's Hospital, Montréal, Québec, Canada.
Sharma
Kapil
K
Tchervenkov
Christo I
CI
Jutras
Luc F
LF
Lavoie
Josée
J
Shemie
Sam D
SD
Laliberte
Eric
E
Calaritis
Christos
C
Cecere
Renzo
R
D001011:Aorta; D002303:Cardiac Output, Low / Q000209:etiology; D002404:Catheterization; D002675:Child, Preschool; D017809:Fatal Outcome; D016027:Heart Transplantation; D006352:Heart Ventricles; D006353:Heart-Assist Devices; D006801:Humans; D018636:Hypoplastic Left Heart Syndrome / Q000150:complications / Q000601:surgery*; D000860:Hypoxia / Q000209:etiology; D008297:Male; D014850:Waiting Lists