Implantation of the HeartWare HVAD in a child after a recent thromboembolic stroke

James K Kirklin; F Bennett Pearce; Salpy V Pamboukian; Jeffrey A Alten; Santiago Borasino; Waldemer F Carlo; William L Holman

doi:10.1016/j.athoracsur.2011.08.060

Implantation of the HeartWare HVAD in a child after a recent thromboembolic stroke

Ann Thorac Surg. 2012 Mar;93(3):977-8. doi: 10.1016/j.athoracsur.2011.08.060.

Authors

James K Kirklin¹, F Bennett Pearce, Salpy V Pamboukian, Jeffrey A Alten, Santiago Borasino, Waldemer F Carlo, William L Holman

Affiliation

¹ Division of Cardiothoracic Surgery, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, Alabama 35294, USA. [email protected]

PMID: 22364990
DOI: 10.1016/j.athoracsur.2011.08.060

Abstract

We report the implantation of a HeartWare left ventricular assist device in a child. A 9-year-old girl presented in cardiogenic shock complicated by an embolic stroke. Catheter-based thrombolysis partially reversed the neurologic deficit, but worsening cardiac failure prompted consideration of mechanical circulatory support (MCS). Limited available pericardial space, anticoagulation requirements, and thromboembolic potential favored the use of the HeartWare left ventricular assist device (HeartWare International, Inc, Framingham, MA). After device implantation and intensive physical rehabilitation, the patient underwent successful cardiac transplantation after 60 days of support.

Publication types

Case Reports

MeSH terms

Child
Female
Heart Failure / complications
Heart Failure / surgery*
Heart-Assist Devices*
Humans
Stroke / etiology
Thromboembolism / etiology