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Published on: May 11, 2018
Mechanical circulatory assistance in paediatric patients with cardiac failure
1Department of Cardiothoracic Surgery, University of California, Irvine Medical Center, Orange County 92668, USA.
Insights
Mechanical circulatory support devices, including extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO), left ventricular assist devices (LVAD), and intraaortic balloon pumps (IABP), offer excellent outcomes for pediatric cardiac patients. These advanced treatments demonstrate a high survival rate and positive long-term results.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Cardiology
- Cardiovascular Surgery
- Biomedical Engineering
Background:
- Extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) was initially developed for respiratory failure.
- Mechanical circulatory support devices have evolved for pediatric cardiac disease management.
- Left ventricular assist devices (LVAD) and intraaortic balloon pumps (IABP) are used in pediatric heart failure.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the efficacy of mechanical circulatory support devices in pediatric cardiac patients.
- To document outcomes for infants and children treated with ECMO, LVAD, or IABP.
- To assess the role of these devices in preoperative and postoperative cardiac care.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective analysis of 15 pediatric patients treated with mechanical devices.
- Inclusion of devices like ECMO, LVAD, and IABP, individually or in combination.
- Focus on preoperative and postoperative application in congenital and acquired heart disease.
Main Results:
- A 74% survival rate was observed in the patient cohort.
- Long-term outcomes were excellent in the majority of cases.
- Heparin-coated devices and strict heparin regulation facilitated safe transitions from cardiopulmonary bypass.
Conclusions:
- Mechanical devices are crucial for managing pediatric cardiac disease.
- These devices provide essential preoperative and postoperative support.
- The use of advanced mechanical support improves survival and long-term outcomes in pediatric cardiac surgery.
Abstract:
Extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) was initially developed for respiratory failure. Its use, however, has evolved into an excellent method of preoperative and postoperative support in the treatment of infants and children with acquired and congenital heart disease. Along with ECMO, the left ventricular assist device (LVAD) and the intraaortic balloon pump (IABP) have also found a place in the management of paediatric patients with heart failure. This report documents 15 patients who were treated with one or a combination of these mechanical devices, either preoperatively or postoperatively. There is a 74% survival rate and the long-term outcome has been excellent in most cases. The use of heparin-coated devices and tight regulation of heparin has allowed the transfer of infants and children from standard cardiopulmonary bypass to assist devices in the operating room. Mechanical devices are an essential adjunct for the preoperative and postoperative treatment of infants and children with cardiac disease.
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