The use of ventricular assist devices in pediatric patients with univentricular hearts

Abstract

Improved survival outcomes for pediatric patients with ventricular assist devices (VADs) has expanded their application to complex univentricular cardiac lesions, including patients with systemic-to-pulmonary shunts, bidirectional cavopulmonary anastomoses (BCPAs), and total cavopulmonary Fontan circulations. Although it is generally recognized that complex cardiac anatomy is likely a significant risk factor affecting VAD survival, there remains a paucity of data examining the pediatric VAD experience with univentricular hearts.