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Pediatric Mechanical Circulatory Support: Introduction and Schneider's Experience
Niv Soffair1, Eran Shostak2, Ovadia Dagan2
1Pediatric Intensive Care Unit, Schneider Children's Medical Center, Petah Tikva, Israel.
The Israel Medical Association Journal : IMAJ
|December 24, 2023
Summary
Ventricular assist devices (VADs) effectively bridge pediatric heart failure patients to transplantation. This study details VAD implantation experiences and outcomes in Israeli children, highlighting successful support and transplant rates.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Cardiology
- Cardiovascular Surgery
- Medical Technology
Background:
- Ventricular assist devices (VADs) are increasingly vital for pediatric end-stage heart failure.
- VADs serve as a crucial bridge to heart transplantation for children.
- Limited published data exists on pediatric VAD experience, particularly in Israel.
Purpose of the Study:
- To present the characteristics and outcomes of VAD implantation in pediatric heart failure patients.
- To describe the use of VADs as a life-saving technology in children.
- To document the initial experience with VADs at a specific medical center in Israel.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective chart review of pediatric patients undergoing VAD implantation.
- Data collected from 2018 to 2023 at Schneider Children's Medical Center.
- Analysis of patient demographics, device types, support duration, and transplant outcomes.
Main Results:
- Fifteen children received VADs, with the youngest being 2.5 years old and weighing 11 kg.
- HeartMate 3 (continuous-flow) and Berlin Heart (pulsatile-flow) devices were used.
- Successful VAD support was achieved in 86.6% of patients, with 11 undergoing heart transplants.
Conclusions:
- VADs are an effective bridge to transplantation for pediatric end-stage heart failure.
- Careful device selection and tailored implantation techniques are crucial.
- Israeli healthcare providers should consider VADs as a viable therapeutic option for children.
