Success (weaning from system or heart selleck chemical transplant) was achieved in 49% and 69%, respectively (P = .043). Whereas in period I 17% of children younger than 1 year were discharged home after transplant or weaning, rate during period II was 93%(P < .001), in particular because of improvement in discharge rate of patients with postcardiotomy heart failure (13% vs 50%). Rates of pump exchange for thrombus formation were 0.029/d in period I and 0.014/d in period II (P = 0.003).

Conclusions: Recent results show significant improvements in survival and discharge rate, especially for children younger than 1 year. Pediatric

Berlin Heart EXCOR ventricular assist device may provide a safe mechanical support strategy in children with cardiogenic shock. (J Thorac Cardiovasc Surg 2011; 141: 616-23)”
“Recent studies have shown that electrical stimulation of the posterior hypothalamic nucleus (PH) facilitates locomotion in control rats, and rats were made akinetic

by dopaminergic blockade via haloperidol or dopamine depletion by the neurotoxin 6-hydroxydopamine. These findings suggest that PH stimulation might be a promising treatment for akinesia associated with dopamine loss in Parkinson’s disease. The present study further examined the positive effects of PH stimulation on behavior by characterizing its potential facilitatory effects on tasks that require skilled movements. Rats were trained to reach for food pellets with a forelimb (skilled reaching) or press a bar in an operant conditioning task for food. PH stimulation in undrugged rats not only facilitated locomotion BI-D1870 clinical trial in each of the tasks, but also impaired performance of the skilled movement components of the tasks. Haloperidol reduced locomotion and skilled movement, and PH stimulation only restored locomotion. The results are discussed in relation to the idea that PH stimulation selectively facilitates locomotor behavior and may have limited use in restoring impairments in skilled movements and consummatory behavior that results from dopaminergic depletion. (C) 2011 IBRO. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.”
“Objective: Chronic thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension

is a rare form of pulmonary hypertension that can lead to progressive right heart found failure and death. Pulmonary thromboendarterectomy surgery is the treatment of choice resulting in significant improvements in functional status, cardiopulmonary hemodynamics, and survival. This study reports the largest case series of pediatric patients with chronic thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension who underwent pulmonary thromboendarterectomy surgery at one institution.

Patient and Methods: The University of California, San Diego, chronic thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension database identified patients 18 years or younger at the time of pulmonary thromboendarterectomy surgery (n = 17). Medical charts were reviewed for hemodynamics, thromboembolic risk factors, and postoperative outcomes.