Evolution and Impact of Ventricular Assist Device Program on Children Awaiting Heart Transplantation

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.