Implantation of an Atrial Flow Regulator in a Child on Venoarterial Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenator as a Bridge to Heart Transplant: A Case Report.

BACKGROUND: Balloon dilation and stenting of the atrial septum are techniques used to unload left heart cavities in acute or end-stage heart failure in children. However, they carry significant risks such as tamponade or device embolization. CASE PRESENTATION: We report the first case of a child with an end-stage mitochondrial cardiomyopathy on a venoarterial extracorporeal membrane oxygenator as a bridge to heart transplant where an atrial flow regulator device has been implanted. CONCLUSIONS: This case illustrates the feasibility and safety of atrial flow regulator implantation in this setting. This procedure allowed to wean inotropic support while awaiting heart transplantation.