Paediatric Mechanical Circulatory Support: Mechanical Circulatory Support for Paediatric Patients

Abstract

Heart failure from congenital heart defects affects 1-2 per 100 live births, while cardiomyopathy impacts 1 per 10,000 children under 1 year old. Ventricular Assist Devices (VADs) have progressed significantly for adults, with many new VADs reaching clinical trials, but paediatric Mechanical Circulatory Support (MCS) technology lags. The Berlin Heart EXCOR® system is currently the only approved paediatric VAD, offering good survival rates but also associated with risks such as haemorrhage and thromboembolic events, and confining patients to hospital due to its size. This symposium will highlight the clinical need for new paediatric MCS technology and research into novel and emerging solutions.

Chairs

• Katharine Fraser
• Marcus Granegger

The programme