ABSTRACT
Biventricular assist devices (BiVADs) using the CentriMag™ system are being used increasingly as a form of short-term mechanical circulatory support for the treatment of acute cardiogenic shock from any aetiology. They can be used as a bridge to decision, recovery or transplantation. BiVADs are associated with better clinical outcomes when compared to veno-arterial (VA) extracorporeal membrane oxygenator (ECMO) systems. In this paper, we describe a safe and reproducible method of BiVAD implantation using the CentriMag™ system at our institution.
ABSTRACT
In recent years, three-dimensional printing has demonstrated reliable reproducibility of several organs including hearts with complex congenital cardiac anomalies. This represents the next step in advanced image processing and can be used to plan surgical repair. In this study, we describe three children with complex univentricular hearts and abnormal systemic or pulmonary venous drainage, in whom three-dimensional printed models based on CT data assisted with preoperative planning. For two children, after group discussion and examination of the models, a decision was made not to proceed with surgery. We extend the current clinical experience with three-dimensional printed modelling and discuss the benefits of such models in the setting of managing complex surgical problems in children with univentricular circulation and abnormal systemic or pulmonary venous drainage.
