We describe a 15 year old patient with failing second-stage single-ventricle palliation and left pulmonary artery thrombosis successfully supported with HeartMate 3 ventricular assist device and a Fontan completion as destination therapy.
Although ventricular assist devices (VAD) use in the adult population is well-characterized, there is scarce data in the pediatric population. As implantable VADs evolve, the HeartMate 3 (HM3; Abbott Medical Inc., Pleasanton, CA) emerges as a promising alternative to support the growing population of congenital heart disease patients. Recent data suggest that VAD can be an effective strategy to support Fontan patients.1 Few data are available on failing Glenn patients, especially in adulthood and as a destination therapy.2–4 This case report presents the unique challenge of a teenage patient with failing single-ventricle physiology associated with left pulmonary artery (LPA) thrombosis, successfully supported by an HM3 associated with Fontan completion.