Accelerated Wean: A Novel 3 Day Berlin Heart Protocol in a Pediatric Patient

ASAIO J. 2024 Sep 26. doi: 10.1097/MAT.0000000000002318. Online ahead of print.

Abstract

We present the case of a 4 year old child who developed cardiogenic shock due to permanent junctional reciprocating tachycardia, requiring left ventricular assist device (LVAD) support. Despite the initial critical clinical presentation, successful myocardial recovery was achieved over 5 months, allowing for successful LVAD explantation. The patient's young age and behavioral issues were constraining factors for a prolonged LVAD wean trial. A modified wean protocol over a 3 day period with parameters for assessment of cardiac recovery before LVAD explantation is described.