title: Implantation of the HeartWare HVAD in a child after a recent thromboembolic stroke.
abstract: We report the implantation of a HeartWare left ventricular assist device in a child. A 9-year-old girl presented in cardiogenic shock complicated by an embolic stroke. Catheter-based thrombolysis partially reversed the neurologic deficit, but worsening cardiac failure prompted consideration of mechanical circulatory support (MCS). Limited available pericardial space, anticoagulation requirements, and thromboembolic potential favored the use of the HeartWare left ventricular assist device (HeartWare International, Inc, Framingham, MA). After device implantation and intensive physical rehabilitation, the patient underwent successful cardiac transplantation after 60 days of support.
authors.affiliation: Division of Cardiothoracic Surgery, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, Alabama 35294, USA. jkirklin@uab.edu
authors.forename: James K
authors.initials: JK
authors.lastname: Kirklin
authors.forename: F Bennett
authors.initials: FB
authors.lastname: Pearce
authors.forename: Salpy V
authors.initials: SV
authors.lastname: Pamboukian
authors.forename: Jeffrey A
authors.initials: JA
authors.lastname: Alten
authors.forename: Santiago
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Borasino
authors.forename: Waldemer F
authors.initials: WF
authors.lastname: Carlo
authors.forename: William L
authors.initials: WL
authors.lastname: Holman
mesh_terms: D002648:Child; D005260:Female; D006333:Heart Failure / Q000150:complications / Q000601:surgery*; D006353:Heart-Assist Devices; D006801:Humans; D020521:Stroke / Q000209:etiology; D013923:Thromboembolism / Q000209:etiology