Bleeding and thrombotic events occur early in children on durable ventricular assist devices

Abstract

Introduction: Durable Ventricular Assist Devices (VADs) are increasingly used in children with end-stage heart failure. Major complications are bleeding and thromboembolism (TE). Our objective was to determine the timing, incidence and risk factors for bleeding and TE in children implanted with VADs. Methods: This was a retrospective cohort of 8 years experience for children implanted with HeartWare HVAD and Berlin Heart EXCOR VADs at the Royal Children's Hospital, Melbourne. Results: 44 patients were implanted with Berlin Heart EXCOR or HeartWare HVAD devices. Major bleeding occurred in 17 patients (39%), 7 (16%) experienced thromboembolic strokes, 13 (30%) required device exchange for TE, ..