This review outlines the physiologic principles, patient selection criteria, and specialized management strategies needed to safely use the adult-designed HeartMate 3 heart pump in children, small adults, and patients with congenital heart disease or muscular dystrophy.
Following a 2024 expert convening, a comprehensive clinical protocol was created to support VAD and transplant candidacy in Duchenne muscular dystrophy, translating consensus into real-world implementation.
At just 10 weeks old, Marylu survived cardiac arrest, multiple surgeries, and a rare diagnosis—emerging with a new heart and extraordinary strength. Her journey is a powerful testament to faith, courage, and miracles.
Faith, Fight, and a Second Heart: Marylu’s Story Read More »
A new multi-center study explores the off-label use of SGLT2 inhibitors in children and adolescents with heart failure, highlighting real-world safety data and underscoring the need for prospective trials.
Use of SGLT2 inhibitors in pediatric heart failure: a multi-center study Read More »
On the 11th anniversary of her daughter’s heart transplant, Riki reunited with the very doctors who made it possible. Once the youngest heart transplant patient at Texas Children’s Hospital, Juliana is now 11—spirited, thriving, and living proof of the gift of life.
A Full-Circle Moment: 11 Years After Juliana’s Heart Transplant Read More »
Right ventricular failure (RVF) after left ventricular assist device (LVAD) implantation is a major cause of morbidity and mortality. This review offers pediatric-focused guidance on perioperative RV management, emphasizing pathophysiology, hemodynamics, and targeted interventions to optimize outcomes.
In this multicenter retrospective study of 150 pediatric patients supported with the Impella device, 89.3% achieved positive clinical outcomes despite a 28% adverse event rate. Findings suggest a potential role for Impella in managing refractory advanced heart failure in children, particularly those with cardiomyopathy, transplant graft dysfunction, or congenital heart disease.
ACTION now has nearly 40 Harmonized Protocols!
Harmonized Protocols – Updated! Read More »
Through the collection and use of real-world data, the field has gained greater understanding of best practices in care of these patients, as well as improved access to devices with pediatric labeling of devices previously approved only for adults. Recent and current work across the network’s major focus areas (VAD, heart failure, muscular dystrophy, and Fontan) are highlighted.
The use of VADs in pediatric restrictive and hypertrophic cardiomyopathy is rare, but this ACTION multi-center registry analysis highlights that support is feasible, particularly in children with RCM. While the majority of patients were successfully bridged to transplant, outcomes were poorer in HCM patients, especially those requiring BiVAD support.
