Biventricular assist device as a bridge to transplantation in a pediatric patient

Ann Thorac Surg. 1996 Aug;62(2):578-80.

Abstract

A 5 1/2-year-old boy with idiopathic cardiomyopathy and rapidly worsening hemodynamic parameters underwent placement of a biventricular assist device as a bridge to transplantation. Direct anastomoses to both the aorta and pulmonary artery with Dacron grafts attached to Carmeda-coated tubing facilitated the support period. Inflow was provided by right atrial appendage and left ventricular apex cannulas. A centrifugal pump provided support for 2 days until a suitable donor was identified. The technique is simple, reproducible, and effective for patients with small body surface areas.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Anastomosis, Surgical
  • Aorta / surgery
  • Blood Vessel Prosthesis
  • Body Surface Area
  • Cardiomyopathy, Dilated / surgery
  • Catheterization, Central Venous / instrumentation
  • Child, Preschool
  • Equipment Design
  • Heart Transplantation*
  • Heart-Assist Devices*
  • Humans
  • Intubation / instrumentation
  • Male
  • Polyethylene Terephthalates
  • Pulmonary Artery / surgery
  • Reproducibility of Results

Substances

  • Polyethylene Terephthalates