Objectives The objective was to review the use of Impella devices (Abiomed Inc, Danvers, MA) for temporary circulatory support in pediatric and adolescent patients (age ≤21 yrs). Background Options for minimally invasive circulatory support in children are limited, and published data are confined to case reports and small case series. Methods This was a retrospective, multicenter review of Impella implants in pediatric and adolescent patients from 2009–15, using standardized data collection and INTERMACS definitions. Results A total of 39 implants were performed in 38 patients from 16 centers. Median age and weight were 16 yrs (4–21 yrs) and 62 kg (15–134 kg). The primary indication for implant was cardiogenic shock in 28 patients (72%). Cardiac allograft rejection, myocarditis, or cardiomyopathy were the underlying diagnosis in 23 patients (59%); 11 patients had congenital heart disease. The median duration of support was 45 hrs (1–1224 hrs). Indications for explant included ventricular recovery in 16 patients, transition to another device in 12, death in 5, and transplant in 1. Survival was 85% at 7 days and 68% at 30 days. Major adverse events occurred in 8 patients: hemolysis in 3, bleeding in 2, stroke in 1 (unclear if related to Impella), sepsis in 1, and critical leg ischemia in 1. An increase in aortic regurgitation was noted in 3 patients, with no evidence of valve injury. Conclusion Temporary circulatory support with Impella devices is feasible in pediatric and adolescent patients, with acceptable risk profiles. More experience and follow up is needed to improve technical performance and patient selection.

TnECHO is superior to chest radiography for identifying malpositioned catheters. TnECHO performed by pediatric housestaff physicians with basic training, demonstrated high-accuracy rates.

There is a growing interest in the use of percutaneously delivered ventricular assist devices (PVAD) in the pediatric patient population. A 16 year old female and 18 year old male both status post heart transplantation presented with evidence of graft rejection and acute severe global systolic and diastolic heart failure necessitating hemodynamic catheterization and inotropic support. Both underwent percutaneous Impella CP LVAD (Abiomed, Danvers, MA) placement with close monitoring of right ventricular function. Although pulmonary artery wedge pressure (PAWP) improved, persistently elevated central venous pressures (CVP) and ongoing renal and liver injury prompted insertion of Impella RP RVAD. Explantation of bilateral devices was achieved within 4 days in the 18 year old patient. He would go on to require total artificial heart support before successful retransplantation. Despite bilateral PVAD support and antirejection medications, our 16 year old patient went on to develop multisystem organ failure and ultimately passed away after withdrawal of life-sustaining therapies. We report the first description of biventricular percutaneous Impella VAD for the treatment of acute decompensated heart failure in a pediatric institution. This innovative VAD option for older children/adolescents represents a less-invasive advancement in mechanical support technology with potential applicability across the pediatric population.