A Novel Surgical Approach to Mechanical Circulatory Support in Univentricular Infants

Abstract

Historically, the options for mechanical circulatory support in infants, particularly those with single-ventricle physiology, have been limited and outcomes have generally been poor. We report a new approach implemented for long-term support in a series of such patients. This study is a single-center case series of 7 patients with single-ventricle physiology after stage 1 palliation supported with mechanical circulatory support using a novel technique, between May 2014 and September 2015. Our technique included modification and implantation of commercially available pediatric cannulae into the common atrium and the ascending aorta or reconstructed neoaorta and utilization of a centrifugal extracorporeal pump. Median circulatory support duration was 64 days (range, 35 to 99). One adverse neurologic event was observed in 1 patient, and bleeding requiring reoperation in 2 patients. Support to recovery, decision, or heart transplantation was accomplished in all cases. Of all patients, 43% were successfully discharged home. Our experience shows that long-term extracorporeal mechanical circulatory support of patients with underlying single-ventricle physiology after stage 1 palliation is feasible utilizing our technique. This approach overcomes several major challenges encountered in these patients, such as high flow requirement and stability of the cannulae, and allows extubation, rehabilitation, and at times, myocardial recovery.