Partial mechanical circulatory support in children

Partial mechanical support devices are capable of partially unloading only one ventricle, often the systemic one, in the setting of acute circulatory failure. They are rarely used in the pediatric population, as the mode of circulatory failure in patients with congenital heart disease often involves biventricular or a predominantly right ventricular component. The devices include intra-aortic balloon pumping, Impella, TandemHeart, and CentriMag. They are rarely used as a bridge-to-recovery, but more often as a bridge-to-decision, or bridge-to-conversion to full mechanical support systems, such as extracorporeal membrane oxygenation or ventricular assist devices. Currently, lack of availability of more complete support devices, cost issues, or lack of infrastructure and personnel may still be indications to continue using partial mechanical support as opposed to more complete forms of biventricular circulatory support.