Biventricular assist device is an effective rescue device after cardiac surgery

Abstract

For pediatric patients with cardiomyopathy or failing congenital heart disease use of a biventricular assist device is an established mode of care as a bridge-totransplant. However, this technology has not been reported as a rescue mechanism immediately after cardiac surgery. We report 6-month old, 6 kilogram female diagnosed with tetralogy of Fallot, pulmonary atresia and restrictive ventricular septal defect who underwent repair, resulting in biventricular failure immediately following the procedure. Soon after the operation it was apparent she would not recover, and was transitioned to a biventricular assist device.