Asistencia mecánica circulatoria en el paciente pediátrico

The use of MCS has become increasingly frequent in adults, as well as in the paediatric population, in recent years. In this section, a review is presented on the characteristics of MCS in paediatric patients with or without congenital heart disease. Firstly, a review of the indications is presented, as well as how to choose the most appropriate MCS for each patient. This is followed by an analysis of the short-term MCS in children, usually requiring lung support along with the heart, with an oxygenator in the circuit, which is given the name, extracorporeal circulation with membrane oxygenator. Thirdly, a look at the long-term MCS in paediatrics, which is almost exclusively reduced to the Berlin Heart implanted as a bridge to transplant. Finally, we present our experience with MCS, including both short and long-term follow up in paediatric patients, with the aim of contributing directly to improve the survival of our children.