“Implantation of total artificial heart in a 10-year-old after support with a temporary perventricular assist device” was published in The Journal of Thoracic and Cardiovascular Surgery on August 28, 2019. This report represents the youngest patient supported by a 50-cc SynCardia Total Artificial Heart (TAH-t) in the United States. It describes the successful use of a TAH-t as a bridge to transplant in a 10-year-old child with idiopathic dilated cardiomyopathy. All in all, this case highlights the 50-cc TAH-t as a viable bridge-to-transplant option in appropriately selected pediatric patients.
The patient was on TAH-t support for 69 days before receiving a heart transplant without significant complications. The clinical summary concludes that he was discharged from the hospital 9 days after transplantation, and he continued to do well. The authors state that the 50-cc TAH-t was ideal for this patient. Ultimately, the success of this patient highlights the need for FDA expanded labeling of smaller VAD options, like the 50-cc TAH, for pediatric use. Also, this case reflects what can happen with collaboration between clinicians, industry and adult providers. This embodies the spirit of ACTION through broad dissemination of experiences pushing the field forward for children.
CITATION
Alaeddine M, Ploutz M, Arabía FA, Velez DA. Implantation of total artificial heart in a 10-year-old after support with a temporary perventricular assist device. J Thorac Cardiovasc Surg. 2020 Mar;159(3):e227-e229. doi: 10.1016/j.jtcvs.2019.07.101. Epub 2019 Aug 28. PMID: 31564539.
