Mechanical Circulatory Support: In Children Towards Myocardial Recovery Pe [Paperback]

After decades of laboratory investigations mechanical circulatory support for the failing heart has entered the clinical arena. Today, a growing number of patients with progressive myocardial failure awaiting cardiac transplantation is successfully bridged to transplantation with ventricular assist devices. The proceedings of the Mechanical Circulatory Support -meeting, held in Berlin, October 21-22, 1995, present new aspects of mechanical circulatory support, recent experience with MCS in newborns and children using specially developed small devices, and the results of long-term mechanical assistance. The ability of the myocardium to recover under pressure de-loading and reduced workload is discussed. All these topics open up new perspectives for the use of mechanical circulatory support, not only as a bridge to transplantation, but also as a definitive approach for treating patients with end-stage heart failure. Some of these concepts may even provide real alternatives to heart transplantation, these being sorely needed in light of the severe donor organ shortage. Regulatory as well as ethical aspects of the extended use of mechanical circulatory support systems and new technical developments in the field are discussed by internationally distinguished experts.Mechanical ventricular assist in children: Experience at the Childrens Hospital, Boston (1990-1995).- Mechanical circulatory support at the Royal Childrens Hospital.- Individual center experiences in pediatric mechanical circulatory support for bridge-to-transplant and myocardial recovery.- Extracorporeal circulatory support in pediatric cardiac patients  The Berlin Experience.- Mechanical circulatory support in pediatric age: Experience of Bergamo.- Discussion Session, October 21, 1995.- What is dilated cardiomyopathy?.- Agonistic anti-? 1-adrenoceptor autoantibodies in the serum of patients with dilated cardiomyopathy.- Weaning from mechanical support after complete recovery in patients with idiopathic lã#