Among pediatric patients supported by the Berlin Heart EXCOR, those with myocarditis were more likely to have a successful device removal (P=0.0003).
Observational
No
In pediatric patients on Berlin Heart EXCOR support, those with myocarditis are more likely to achieve myocardial recovery and successful device explantation, highlighting the need to evaluate for recovery prior to heart transplantation.
p-value: p=0.0003
Objective: The Berlin Heart EXCOR is the only durable ventricular assist device available for infants and small children. A subset of patients supported by the Berlin Heart EXCOR device experience cardiac recovery. This study aimed to evaluate the outcomes of Berlin Heart EXCOR support at our center and identify the factors associated with successful device explantation. Methods: This retrospective observational study included all consecutive patients who underwent Berlin Heart EXCOR implantation at the Royal Children's Hospital from 2009 to 2024. Results: .0003). Conclusions: . Patients with myocarditis are more likely to have a successful device removal. We believe that every patient must be evaluated for myocardial recovery and device removal before committing the patient to heart transplantation.
Iaprintsev et al. (2025) conducted an observational in Heart failure requiring ventricular assist device. Berlin Heart EXCOR support was evaluated on Successful device explantation (p=0.0003). Among pediatric patients supported by the Berlin Heart EXCOR, those with myocarditis were more likely to have a successful device removal (P=0.0003).