ABSTRACT
Although long-term implantable left ventricular assist devices (LVADs) designed specifically for small patients are not yet widely available, a subset of the pediatric patient population can be supported with currently available long-term devices. We have utilized the TCI HeartMate LVAD (Thermo Cardiosystems, Inc., Woburn, MA) in pediatric patients in need of long-term cardiac support since 1993. Although the HeartMate LVAD was designed for adults, it is possible to use this U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA)-approved device as a life-sustaining measure in smaller pediatric patients with the use of innovative techniques to account for the discrepancy between device and patient size. The HeartMate LVAD has been a vital first step towards the eventual solution of the problem of pediatric patients in need of long-term mechanical cardiac support. Pediatric patients have been successfully supported with this device, which facilitates discharge home and resumption of normal activities with the device in place while awaiting heart transplantation.
