Early experience with the HeartMate 3 continuous-flow ventricular assist device in pediatric patients and patients with congenital heart disease: A multicenter registry analysis

Implantation of a HeartMate 3 ventricular assist device in a 21‐kg pediatric patient with Fontan failure

“…There were no incidents of pump thrombosis or stroke and driveline infection occurred in four patients (11%). 8 These findings, similar to our report, attest to the antithrombotic characteristics of HM3 technology.…”

“…One of F I G U R E 3 Outflow graft de-airing F I G U R E 4 Radiograph demonstrating final ventricular assist device position within the thoracic cavity the most recent studies, procured from the ACTION registry, describes use of the HM3 in children and adults with CHD. 8 Among 35 patients in this series, 28 were under the age of 18, the youngest being 8.8 years of age. Fontan circulation was present in only five patients (not including the patient in this report).…”

“…Only recently have we seen reports of VAD use in patients with CHD, especially those at the lowest extremes of age and size. One of the most recent studies, procured from the ACTION registry, describes use of the HM3 in children and adults with CHD 8 . Among 35 patients in this series, 28 were under the age of 18, the youngest being 8.8 years of age.…”

A coordinated approach to improving pediatric heart transplant waitlist outcomes: A summary of the ACTION November 2019 waitlist outcomes committee meeting

“…22 Since its inception, ACTION has collaborated with over 44 centers resulting in substantial and quantifiable improvements in the outcomes and care processes for children supported by ventricular assist devices (VADs) and their families. 23 Although ACTION originally focused its efforts on children requiring VAD support, the network has recently expanded their scope to all elements of HF care, including the management of children listed for HT with or without VAD support. This expansion included the formation of the WOC in 2019 which includes physicians, nurses, a quality scientist, heart transplant patients, and their parents.…”

“…The primary benefit of this approach, which is aptly suited for high‐risk diseases affecting relatively small populations for whom large‐scale clinical trials are often not feasible, is the immediate and extensive impact on patients who cannot wait for clinical practice change to navigate slowly through traditional academic channels 22 . Since its inception, ACTION has collaborated with over 44 centers resulting in substantial and quantifiable improvements in the outcomes and care processes for children supported by ventricular assist devices (VADs) and their families 23 …”