HeartWare explant following recovery 6 years post implant in a 3-year-old: has the game changed?

The use of continuous-flow mechanical circulatory support in pre-school children remains anecdotal. We describe the sequel to the implantation with a HeartWare™ HVAD™ system in a 3-year old. A 3-year-old male with myocarditis-related cardiomyopathy was implanted with a Heartware device. After an uncomplicated post-operative course, the patient was discharged home. Serial echocardiography showed progressive left ventricle recovery. After 6 months the device was decommissioned and outflow graft tied off. Six years after insertion, it was explanted uneventfully. Heartware Ventricular Assist Device offers a viable long-term mechanical circulatory support in selected children resulting in sustainable care and good quality of life.