The use of a CircuLite micro-pump for congenitally corrected transposition of the great arteries

We report a case of a 49-year old male with a congenitally corrected transposition of the great arteries (ccTGA) implanted with a left atrial to right subclavian artery ventricular assist device (CircuLite) because of the failure of the anatomic right (systemic) ventricle. Additionally, elevated pulmonary pressures and peripheral vascular resistance (7.4 Wood units) prevented him from being put on the transplant list. The implant, performed off-pump through a right minithoracotomy, was uncomplicated and there were no adverse events. Within 1 month of the implant, there was a marked improvement in exercise tolerance and decreases in pulmonary pressures and resistance, so that the patient was able to return to work and became eligible for transplant listing. As of the time of writing, the patient has been supported for 10 months and is awaiting a heart transplant.