Ozbaran, M.Yagdi, T.Engin, C.Erkul, S.Balcioglu, O.Baysal, B.Nalbantgil, S.Ertugay, S.2019-10-272019-10-2720130041-13451873-2623https://doi.org/10.1016/j.transproceed.2013.02.073https://hdl.handle.net/11454/476529th Congress of the Turkish-Transplantation-Centers-Coordination-Association (TTCCA) -- SEP 26-29, 2012 -- Bursa, TURKEYBackground. The Berlin Heart EXCOR is a first-generation paracorporeal, pneumatic ventricular assist device that creates pulsatile flow. It can be used for long-term support of the left and/or right ventricule during end-stage heart failure. The aim of this study was to share our clinical experience in 54 patients. Methods. Between April 2007 and August 2012, 54 patients with end-stage heart failure underwent Berlin Heart EXCOR ventricular assist device implantation, including 5 females and 9 children. Twenty-four patients (44%) were in Intermacs level 1, 11 (21%) in level 2, and 19 (35%) in level 3. Biventricular support was applied to 13 patients. Device implantation was performed with an "on pump" beating heart technique while 6 other patients underwent intervention operations while the aortic valve has under cross-clamp. Tricuspid annuloplasty was performed in 6 patients. Results. There was no peroperative death. Nine patients (17%) underwent re-exploration because of hemorrhage in the early postoperative period. Heart transplantation was performed in 32 patients (59%), while 10 (19%) are still under pump support with a mean follow-up of 13 months. Although 1 was successfully weaned from the system, 11 patients (20%) died during the support. Pump-head exchange was required 19 times in 17 patients because of visible thrombus or fibrin deposit in the pump head or due to membrane rupture. Discussion. The use of long-term paracorporeal assist devices has decreased in recent years because of the increased popularity of implantable devices that permit longer survival and a better quality of life. We believe that the Berlin Heart EXCOR has a special role because it can be used in pediatric patients and especially in critical conditions like Intermacs levels 1 and 2.en10.1016/j.transproceed.2013.02.073info:eu-repo/semantics/closedAccessArticle45310131016WOS:00031845700004323622611Q3Q3