Heart Failure

Multi-institutional outcomes of Impella use in pediatric patients: A brief communication from the ACTION Network

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.

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Improving Pediatric Heart Failure Outcomes Through Collaboration and Innovation: The Current Status of the Advanced Cardiac Therapies Improving Outcomes Network (ACTION)

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.

Improving Pediatric Heart Failure Outcomes Through Collaboration and Innovation: The Current Status of the Advanced Cardiac Therapies Improving Outcomes Network (ACTION) Read More »

Ventricular Assist Device Use in Pediatric Restrictive and Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy: An ACTION Registry Analysis

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.

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Practice Variation in Thromboprophylaxis Management of Outpatient Pediatric Cardiomyopathy Patients: Survey of ACTION Providers

This study surveyed pediatric heart failure practitioners across ACTION centers to understand thromboprophylaxis practices in children with cardiomyopathy. The survey explored decision-making factors and medication choices using three clinical vignettes: dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM), left ventricular non-compaction (LVNC), and restrictive cardiomyopathy (RCM).

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Capturing Physiologic Data in Children with Heart Failure Using Wearable Digital Technology: Lessons From Pilot Project

A pilot study to evaluate the feasibility of using an Apple Watch and a custom app to collect physiologic and activity data from pediatric patients with heart failure. Data such as heart rate, activity levels, and clinical status were collected to explore the potential of wearable technology for improving pediatric heart failure management. The study aims to generate hypotheses for further research on wearable technology in pediatric heart failure care.

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Cardiac treatment for Duchenne muscular dystrophy: consensus recommendations from the ACTION muscular dystrophy committee

An expert opinion statement, addressing a critical gap in cardiac care for Duchenne muscular dystrophy – providing thorough recommendations for the initiation and titration of cardiac medications based on disease progression and patient response.

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Owen’s Story: A Journey of Resilience and Hope

Born with a complex congenital heart defect, Owen has faced more medical challenges in his 20 years than most do in a lifetime, however his resilience and optimism have carried him through. Today, he’s thriving as a college student with dreams of becoming a physician’s assistant and raising awareness about organ donation. His journey—from patient to future healthcare provider—is a testament to the power of perseverance, community support, and lifesaving health care.

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Current state of neurodevelopmental and psychosocial care practices for paediatric patients with ventricular assist devices: an Advanced Cardiac Therapies Improving Outcomes Network and Cardiac Neurodevelopmental Outcome Collaborative collaborative survey

Pediatric patients with ventricular assist devices often have access to neurodevelopmental providers in the inpatient setting, though supports vary by centre. Strengthening family neurodevelopmental education, referral processes, and family-centered psychosocial services may improve current neurodevelopmental/psychosocial care for pediatric ventricular assist device patients.

Current state of neurodevelopmental and psychosocial care practices for paediatric patients with ventricular assist devices: an Advanced Cardiac Therapies Improving Outcomes Network and Cardiac Neurodevelopmental Outcome Collaborative collaborative survey Read More »