Mechanical Circulatory Support
Ventricular Assist Devices, Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation and More
Children and young adults with heart failure or other critical heart conditions get life-saving mechanical circulatory support at Nemours Children’s. We give kids the best possible chance of survival by bridging the gap from diagnosis to heart transplant, or allowing the heart to recover.
Mechanical circulatory support devices do the work of the heart and lungs, either for a short time, or permanently. We use the latest advancements, such as extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) and ventricular assist devices (VADs) (in Delaware).
Our program — part of award-winning heart centers in Delaware and Florida — includes nationally-recognized experts in pediatric cardiothoracic surgery, cardiology, cardiac anesthesiology and cardiac intensive care. We work closely with highly skilled perfusionists, nurses and advanced practice providers to tailor care to each child.
We research, participate in clinical trials, and work with academic leaders across the country to develop and improve technologies and find new ways to use devices. And we support your child and family emotionally, too. We guide and nurture you every step of the way.
Our Services
Nemours offers leading-edge medical technologies, team-based expertise and compassionate care. We select mechanical circulatory support devices carefully for your child’s exact needs. We want the most effective outcomes with the least risk for complications. We offer:
Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation (ECMO) (Delaware & Florida)
ECMO works by pumping blood out of the body, passing it through an artificial lung (or oxygenator) that removes carbon dioxide and adds oxygen, and returning it back to the body. This bypasses the heart and lungs, allowing them time to heal and recover.
We may use venoarterial (VA) ECMO to rest both the heart and lungs or venovenous (VV) ECMO to rest the lungs only.
Ventricular Assist Devices (Delaware)
A VAD is an implanted mechanical pump that helps the heart pump. It’s often used as a bridge to heart transplant, or to let the heart heal after surgery. We offer devices for the left or right ventricles, or devices for both ventricles.
We use the latest technologies, like smaller, more efficient VADs, hybrid VADs that work with other devices, and VADs which can be inserted through small cuts in the skin. This can mean an easier recovery.
Support for the Whole Family
At Nemours, we create a nurturing environment with active communication and shared decision-making. We offer many support services to help build family resilience and empower you through the process.
Our team includes cardiac psychologists, social workers and Child Life specialists who help your family cope, and your child thrive. We also provide cardiac neurodevelopmental support to help kids develop to their highest ability.
What is a ventricular assist device? Learn about VADs and how they work from the experts at Nemours KidsHealth®.
The heart and circulatory system involve the heart, lungs and an intricate system of blood vessels. See how it works.
Heart failure is when the heart can’t deliver as much blood to the body as it should. Find out how it happens and different treatment options.
- Learning delays
- Heart Smart
- Respiratory System
Two Leading Pediatric Heart Centers
Our heart centers offer highly advanced, integrated care just for kids and young adults with congenital heart disease. Learn about our focused programs, innovative research and exceptional outcomes.
Conditions & Treatments
We see many conditions — far too many to list here. The conditions we treat vary depending on the location and providers selected. Don’t see a condition listed? Call us.
Related Specialties & Programs
Expertise in Pediatric Mechanical Circulatory Support
When choosing the right mechanical circulatory support device, there are many things to consider. It’s important to have an experienced, knowledgeable team by your side. We help you make the right decisions for your child, and family.
We offer ECMO life support for kids with highly complex heart conditions.
We communicate regularly. Our large care team visits every morning to discuss your child’s daily care plan.
We report our outcome data to a national database and compare our outcomes against national averages.
Surgeons at Nemours are involved in important research to develop devices and methods to improve success.
Expertise in Pediatric Mechanical Circulatory Support
When choosing the right mechanical circulatory support device, there are many things to consider. It’s important to have an experienced, knowledgeable team by your side. We help you make the right decisions for your child, and family.
In Delaware we use VADs in children with highly complex conditions, like neuromuscular disorders and after previous heart surgery or cancer treatment.
Your child gets complete heart care in Delaware, including ECMO transport from other hospitals, heart transplants, expert follow-up and more.
Our surgical outcomes for even the most complex procedures are better than national averages.
We’re involved in important research to develop devices and methods to improve success.
Meet the Team
Nemours mechanical circulatory support teams are experienced and focused on your child's healthiest future. Meet them now.
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Claude Anthony Beaty Jr., MD
Cardiothoracic Surgery Site Director, Temple Thoracic Residency Program, Clinical Assistant Professor of Surgery at Sidney Kimmel Medical College, Thomas Jefferson UniversityPrimary Office
Wilmington, DE -
Christopher D. Derby, MD
Cardiothoracic Surgery Surgical Director Cardiac Intensive Care Unit and Mechanical Circulatory SupportPrimary Office
Wilmington, DE -
Christian Pizarro, MD
Cardiothoracic Surgery Chair, Department of Cardiovascular Medicine; Director, Cardiac Center; Chief, Pediatric Cardiac Surgery; Director, Heart Transplantation Program Professor of Surgery and Pediatrics at Sidney Kimmel Medical College, Thomas Jefferson UniversityPrimary Office
Wilmington, DE -
Aryaz Sheybani, MD
Cardiology Medical Director, Heart Transplant ProgramPrimary Office
Wilmington, DE
Care That Goes Beyond Medicine
When your family comes to Nemours, you’re well cared for. We want you to understand your child’s condition and how to help them stay healthy and succeed. We help you find community resources for your family. We also offer many supportive services, like social work, lodging at nearby Ronald McDonald Houses, creative therapies, pet therapy, Child Life programs and much more.
Empowering You to Care for Your Child at Home
The Nemours inpatient heart care team helps you prepare for and manage your child’s care at home. We make sure you have everything you need, including training on devices, equipment and medicines before you leave.