Berlin heart as a bridge to recovery for a failing Fontan

Ann Thorac Surg. 2009 Mar;87(3):943-6. doi: 10.1016/j.athoracsur.2008.07.086.

Abstract

We report the temporary use of a Berlin Heart ventricular assist device (Berlin Heart AG, Berlin, Germany) for cardiac support of an 18-month-old girl with rapidly progressive ventricular failure after completion of a fenestrated Fontan. After 6 months of cardiac assistance with a single pneumatic pump, catheterization data showed improvement of the ventricular function and the ventricular assist device was successfully removed. A follow-up echocardiogram 6 months after hospital discharge demonstrated marked improvement of ventricular function.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Female
  • Fontan Procedure*
  • Heart-Assist Devices*
  • Humans
  • Infant
  • Treatment Failure