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Berlin Heart EXCOR Support in the First Year of Life: A Single Centre Experience

Laura M Davis1, Melissa G Y Lee2, Bennett J Sheridan3

  • 1Department of Paediatrics, Faculty of Medicine, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Vic, Australia.

Heart, Lung & Circulation
|July 16, 2020
PubMed

Insights

The Berlin Heart EXCOR Pediatric Ventricular Assist Device (BHE) effectively supports infants awaiting heart transplants or recovery. Neonates with myocarditis face higher mortality risks when using BHE.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatric Cardiology
  • Mechanical Circulatory Support
  • Pediatric Heart Failure

Background:

  • The Berlin Heart EXCOR Pediatric Ventricular Assist Device (BHE) is a critical tool for mechanical circulatory support in children with end-stage heart failure.
  • It serves as a bridge to heart transplantation or recovery.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To evaluate the morbidity and mortality associated with BHE support in infants under one year of age.
  • To identify predictors of adverse outcomes in this pediatric population.

Main Methods:

  • A retrospective review of all children under one year old supported with BHE between 2005 and 2018 at the Royal Children's Hospital, Melbourne.
  • Adverse events were classified using the PediMACS criteria.

Main Results:

  • Twelve out of fourteen infants (86%) achieved survival to bridge to transplantation or recovery.
  • Sepsis occurred in 36% of patients and thromboembolic stroke in 14%.
  • Mortality was 14%, with both fatalities occurring in neonates with myocarditis requiring re-intervention.

Conclusions:

  • The BHE demonstrates excellent efficacy in supporting infants as a bridge to transplantation or recovery, with a low rate of neurological complications.
  • Neonates diagnosed with myocarditis may represent a higher-risk group for mortality following BHE implantation.
Abstract

Keywords:
Berlin Heart EXCORVADVentricular assist device

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