Case Reports

The Thoratec® CentriMag® for Pediatric Right Ventricular Failure

^* The Heart Center at Nationwide Children’s Hospital, Columbus, Ohio
^† Division of Cardiovascular Perfusion, College of Health Professions, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, South Carolina
^‡ Division of Pediatric Cardiology, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, South Carolina
^§ Division of Pediatric Cardiothoracic Surgery, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, South Carolina

Address correspondence to: Ashley B. Hodge, MBA, CCP, FPP, Cardiothoracic Surgery Quality and Safety Officer/Cardiovascular Perfusionist, The Heart Center, Nationwide Children’s Hospital, 700 Children’s Drive, Room T2298, Columbus, OH 43205. E-mail: ashley.hodge@nationwidechildrens.org

Received: 27 March 2013
Accepted: 8 May 2013

Abstract

Acute right ventricular failure post heart transplantation in the pediatric population has not been well documented. Treatment using medical therapies including inotropes and nitric oxide are often inefficient for pediatric patients. Extracorporeal membrane oxygenation has been traditionally used in children until a long-term decision can be made. As a result of the emergence of smaller assist devices, pediatric practitioners now have more options available to treat this patient population. We describe the successful use of the Thoratec® CentriMag® in a pediatric patient posttransplantation with acute right ventricular failure.