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Experience With the Levitronix CentriMag in the Pediatric Population as a Bridge to Decision and Recovery
Author(s) -
Kouretas Peter C.,
Kaza Aditya K.,
Burch Phillip T.,
Witte Madolin K.,
Clayson Stephen E.,
Everitt Melanie D.,
Selzman Craig H.
Publication year - 2009
Publication title -
artificial organs
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.684
H-Index - 76
eISSN - 1525-1594
pISSN - 0160-564X
DOI - 10.1111/j.1525-1594.2009.00952.x
Subject(s) - extracorporeal membrane oxygenation , medicine , population , ventricular assist device , bridge to transplantation , transplantation , intensive care medicine , heart failure , surgery , cardiology , environmental health
Short‐term mechanical circulatory support in the pediatric population with acute cardiac failure has traditionally been limited to extracorporeal membrane oxygenation given the limited availability of pediatric‐sized pumps. The Levitronix CentriMag system (Thoratec Corporation, Pleasanton, CA, USA) offers expanded options for short‐term support for this population. We report our experience with the successful use of the CentriMag in the pediatric population as a bridge to decision after postcardiotomy ventricular failure and as a bridge to recovery after heart transplantation. The first patient was bridged to a long‐term HeartMate II (Thoratec Corporation) as a bridge to potential recovery. The second patient was supported after severe graft failure post heart transplantation, with a full recovery. The Levitronix CentriMag has proven to be a versatile, safe, and effective short‐term circulatory support system for our pediatric patients.