title: Experience with the Levitronix CentriMag in the pediatric population as a bridge to decision and recovery.
abstract: Short-term mechanical circulatory support in the pediatric population with acute cardiac failure has traditionally been limited to extracorporeal membrane oxygenation given the limited availability of pediatric-sized pumps. The Levitronix CentriMag system (Thoratec Corporation, Pleasanton, CA, USA) offers expanded options for short-term support for this population. We report our experience with the successful use of the CentriMag in the pediatric population as a bridge to decision after postcardiotomy ventricular failure and as a bridge to recovery after heart transplantation. The first patient was bridged to a long-term HeartMate II (Thoratec Corporation) as a bridge to potential recovery. The second patient was supported after severe graft failure post heart transplantation, with a full recovery. The Levitronix CentriMag has proven to be a versatile, safe, and effective short-term circulatory support system for our pediatric patients.
authors.affiliation: Department of Surgery, The University of Utah, Primary Children's Medical Center, Salt Lake City, UT, USA. peter.kouretas@hsc.utah.edu
authors.forename: Peter C
authors.initials: PC
authors.lastname: Kouretas
authors.forename: Aditya K
authors.initials: AK
authors.lastname: Kaza
authors.forename: Phillip T
authors.initials: PT
authors.lastname: Burch
authors.forename: Madolin K
authors.initials: MK
authors.lastname: Witte
authors.forename: Stephen E
authors.initials: SE
authors.lastname: Clayson
authors.forename: Melanie D
authors.initials: MD
authors.lastname: Everitt
authors.forename: Craig H
authors.initials: CH
authors.lastname: Selzman
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D005260:Female; D006333:Heart Failure / Q000534:rehabilitation / Q000601:surgery* / Q000628:therapy; D016027:Heart Transplantation / Q000009:adverse effects*; D006353:Heart-Assist Devices; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male