Successful EXCOR biventricular assist device weaning because of recovery in a child

IntroductionVentricular assist devices (VADs) are used in children usually as a bridge to transplantation and occasionally also as a bridge to recovery, e.g., for acute myocarditis. However, in cases of recovery, weaning criteria are not well defined and protocols are scarce.Case reportWe report our first experience with weaning of biventricular assist device (EXCOR® Pediatric, Berlin Heart GmbH, Germany) in a 3-year-old boy due to recovery.DiscussionThe weaning and explantation processes were based on clinical experience, local hospital practices, and collaboration with the Berlin Heart team.ConclusionRegular echocardiographic assessments, weaning attempts, and downsizing of the EXCOR pumps may facilitate device weaning.