LVAD Implantation in DCM Children

Background: Since Aug.2012, we have implanted LVAD (Excor) in 7 DCM children. Four children have undergone heart transplantation in the USA, 2 children in Japan, and one child are waiting in Japan. We report the results of these children. Patients: 7 DCM children, from 2 month to 12 years old have undergone LVAD (Excor 10, 15, 30 cc) implantation in our hospital. Body weight was from 2.6 kg to 25 kg. Methods: 1. All procedures were done by median sternotomy, under cardiopulmonary bypass. 2. Under the heart beating, LV apex was incised and drainage cannula was anastomosed. Perfusion cannula was anastomosed to ascending aorta, using a short 8 or 10 mm Gore Tex graft. 3. Drainage and perfusion cannula were pulled out and connected to the pump and the IKUS started. Results: 1. Four of seven children have suffered from infection and needed antibiotics infusion for a long time. 2. 10 cc pump needed pump exchange due to the thrombus, one child 4 times during 6 month, and the other 8 times during 10 month.3.15 cc and 30 cc pump needed no exchange due to the thrompus.4.4 children have undergone heart transplantation in the USA, 2 children in Japan, and one child are waiting in Japan. Conclusion: 1. LVAD (Excor 10, 15, 30 cc) is a useful device for DCM children. 2. 10 cc pump needed pump exchange several times due to the trombus.3. Fixation of the cannula to the boby is most important to prevent the infection.