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A total artificial heart for neonates allowing bridging to transplantation
E Koppert1, J W Holfert, P A Dew
1Artificial Heart Research Laboratory, University of Utah, Salt Lake City 84103-1414.
Insights
Pediatric heart transplantation survival rates have increased. An innovative total artificial heart design addresses the critical need for mechanical circulatory support in neonates and infants awaiting heart transplants.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric cardiology
- Biomedical engineering
- Transplantation medicine
Background:
- Pediatric heart transplantation has significantly improved survival for children with severe cardiac conditions since the 1980s.
- Heart transplantation in neonates and infants represents the fastest-growing segment of pediatric transplantation.
- A critical gap exists in mechanical circulatory support systems for pediatric patients, particularly neonates, needing a bridge to transplantation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To address the unmet need for mechanical circulatory support in neonates and infants undergoing heart transplantation.
- To present an innovative total artificial heart design tailored for the unique anatomical and physiological requirements of the youngest pediatric patients.
- To discuss the evolving landscape of pediatric heart transplantation and the role of novel bridging devices.
Main Methods:
- Development of an innovative total artificial heart (TAH) design.
- Focus on meeting the specific anatomical and physiological needs of neonates and infants.
- Consideration for future adaptability to other pediatric age and weight groups.
Main Results:
- An innovative total artificial heart design has been developed.
- The design aims to provide essential circulatory support for neonates and infants.
- This addresses a critical limitation in current pediatric mechanical circulatory support options.
Conclusions:
- There is a pressing need for effective mechanical circulatory support for neonates and infants awaiting heart transplantation.
- The developed innovative total artificial heart design shows promise for bridging this critical gap.
- Further development and modification of this pediatric TAH could benefit a wider range of pediatric patients.
Abstract:
Since the early 1980s, a rapid increase in successful pediatric heart transplantation has improved the chance of survival for many children suffering from otherwise fatal cardiomyopathies or congenital cardiac defects. During the last 5 years, heart transplantation in neonates and infants (0-28 days and 1-12 months, respectively) has been the most rapidly growing area within the pediatric patient population. No adequate mechanical circulatory support system, designed to be used as a bridge to transplantation, is available for many of these pediatric patients. Neonates are the smallest candidates to potentially benefit from heart transplantation, and their often acute need for either heart transplantation or temporary circulatory support indicates that any new development of a pediatric bridging device should focus on this youngest group. Subsequently, such a device may be modified to any weight or age group. An innovative total artificial heart design was developed in an attempt to meet the anatomic and physiologic requirements of neonates and infants. This report discusses the rapidly growing pediatric heart transplantation patient population, as well as an innovative total artificial heart design.