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Pediatric mechanical circulatory support
D L S Morales1, K S Gunter, C D Fraser
1Division of Congenital Heart Surgery, Michael E. DeBakey Department of Surgery, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas, USA. dlmorale@texaschildrenshospital.org
Insights
Mechanical circulatory support (MCS) devices like ventricular assist devices (VADs) are increasingly vital for pediatric heart failure patients. Recent technological advances and growing need are driving development and application in children worldwide.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Cardiology
- Biomedical Engineering
- Heart Failure Management
Background:
- Mechanical circulatory support (MCS) has been explored for pediatric heart failure over the last 20 years, utilizing devices like ECMO, IABPs, and VADs.
- Historically, a dedicated commitment to pediatric MCS development, particularly in the US, has been lacking.
- Advances in adult VADs and improved palliative care for congenital heart disease have increased the need and potential for pediatric MCS.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the current landscape of pediatric mechanical circulatory support.
- To discuss indications, device features, and global applications of VADs in children.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of pediatric MCS systems and applications.
- Analysis of trends in device development and regulatory approval.
- Synthesis of data on international use and research funding.
Main Results:
- Increased international use of established pediatric MCS and neonatal systems.
- Growing FDA approval for international pediatric VADs in the USA.
- Significant National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute funding for pediatric VAD development.
Conclusions:
- Pediatric mechanical circulatory support is a rapidly evolving field driven by technological progress and changing patient demographics.
- There is a clear global trend towards increased development and application of VADs for children with heart failure.
- Future research and development are crucial to meet the growing need for effective pediatric MCS solutions worldwide.
Abstract:
Over the past two decades clinicians and researchers have sought to bring mechanical circulatory support (MCS) to pediatric patients with heart failure. ECMO, IABPs, and VADs have all been used in infants and children as a bridge to myocardial recovery or as a bridge to transplant. However, until recently, a commitment by industry, government, and researchers towards the development of pediatric MCS has not been present, especially in the United States. Advancements in adult VAD design to smaller, quieter, and fully implantable pumps capable of complete outpatient support have sparked curiosity in the application of this technology to children. Also, the increasing success of palliating congenital heart disease is creating an ever-growing cohort of children and adolescents with heart failure. These changing demographics and technological advances have caused a refocus of attention. This is most clearly demonstrated by the international use of several established MCS pediatric and neonatal systems, by the FDAOs increasing proclivity to allow the use of international pediatric VADs in the USA, and by the recent National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute funding of several institutions to develop pediatric VADs. This review describes the different aspects of pediatric MCS including indications, the features of the various VADs, and their current application in children worldwide.
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