Perioperative mechanical circulatory support in children: An analysis of the Society of Thoracic Surgeons Congenital Heart Surgery Database

The use of mechanical circulatory support (MCS) for pediatric patients undergoing heart surgery was analyzed.  Of over 96,000 operations, 2.4% were associated with MCS use.  MCS use was associated with younger patients, a greater number of preoperative risk factors, and certain operations (Norwood, complex biventricular repair).  Mortality associated with MCS was over 50%.  MCS rates differed substantially across participating institutions.