CHARLOTTESVILLE, Va. (WVIR) -UVA Health Children’s has reached a new milestone in pediatric heart care, becoming the first hospital in Virginia to use a temporary heart pump known as an Impella in a patient under 18.
The device is designed to support some patients whose hearts are too weak to pump enough blood through the body on their own, including children who may be waiting for a heart transplant.
Dr. Michael McCulloch, head of pediatric cardiology at UVA Health Children’s, said one of the benefits is that the device can allow patients to remain mobile while receiving heart support…