Evolution and Impact of Ventricular Assist Device Program on Children Awaiting Heart Transplantation [1]
This single instutition study evaluated the impact of mechanical support in children awaiting heart transplant, comparing the pre-support era (1995-2005 and the post-support era (2005-2013); the latter era marked the transition to being able to provide support without concern for pt size. Support increased from 13% to 37%. Wait list mortality was decreased by more than 50%. Median duration of support increased more than 6-fold, and the percentage of long-term devices nearly doubled to 98%. Survival after transplant improved substantially but not significantly.