ABSTRACT
The pediatric experience with ventricular assist has lagged behind that of the adult industry. Adaptation of adult circuits for use with pediatric patients resulted in lower flow velocity and increased risk of thromboembolism. With the development of a pediatric centrifugal pump head by Medtronic Bio-Medicus, Inc. (Eden Prairie, MN) in the late 1980s, it became possible to provide a safe, effective means of ventricular support for infants and children.
