Successful Implantation of HeartMate3 in a Small Child After Multimodality Imaging Pathway to Assess Feasibility

Abstract

The current use of intracorporeal left ventricular assist devices in children is still limited by small body dimensions. Many children weighing of less than 30 kg requiring durable mechanical circulatory support are implanted with the Berlin Heart EXCOR, a paracorporeal device. We present the case of a girl aged 10 years with a body surface area of 1.01 m2 undergoing a safe and effective HeartMate3 implantation despite extremely small thoracic dimensions. Using computed tomography-derived three-dimensional (3D) reconstruction, it was possible to simulate several device positions finding the best HeartMate3 lodging. Simulation-guided pump placement was then obtained in the operating room. Normal HeartMate3 functioning was registered until heart transplant. Our experience shows that preoperative planning and virtual fitting simulation can be effective to assess safety of HeartMate3 implantation even in small children. The 3D reconstruction and simulation may help to increase the pool of children candidates for this device, even though a larger experience is needed to assess the risk profile of the HeartMate3 in such small patients.