Open AccessDirect Echocardiographic Imaging of Berlin Heart Valves Can Aid in Early Detection of Berlin Heart Valve Dysfunction
Author(s) -
Gary S. Beasley,
Kristen Nelson-McMillan,
Luca A. Vricella,
William Thompson,
William Ravekes
Publication year - 2019
Publication title -
asaio journal
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
eISSN - 1538-943X
pISSN - 1058-2916
DOI - 10.1097/mat.0000000000000756
Subject(s) - medicine , regurgitation (circulation) , cardiology , heart valve , afterload , mechanical valve , mechanical heart valve , heart failure , thrombosis , circulatory system , hemodynamics
Mechanical circulatory support options remain limited for pediatric patients, especially neonates. The only U.S. Food and Drug Administration-approved pediatric device remains the Berlin Heart EXCOR, which unfortunately carries with it a 20-30% risk of neurologic complications, such as strokes. We demonstrate a new technique of direct echocardiographic color-Doppler imaging of the Berlin Heart valves to detect valve regurgitation. Increases in valve regurgitation could indicate issues with pump-valve thrombosis or increased afterload leading to valve insufficiency. Early recognition of valve thrombosis or insufficiency may reduce neurologic complications and lead to timely pump adjustments or replacement.