Implantation of a Berlin Heart as Single Ventricle By-Pass on Fontan Circulation in Univentricular Heart Failure

The clinical management of ventricular failure after the Fontan operation presents a formidable challenge to surgeons. We report our experience with successful implantation of a Berlin Heart EXCOR ventricular assist device as a bridge to transplantation in a child with Fontan circulation. ASAIO Journal 2007; 53:e1–e2. A 10-year-old, 32 kg girl, who had been previously palliated with bidirectional superior cavopulmonary (Glenn) shunt for mitral atresia with single ventricle of the right ventricle type and pulmonary stenosis, was admitted to our unit for evaluation of cyanosis, dysrhythmia, and severe atrioventricular valve regurgitation. She subsequently underwent completion palliation with an extracardiac Fontan procedure and concomitant tricuspid valve replacement with a Carbomedics 27 mm mechanical prosthesis.