Short- and long-term survival of children treated with ventricular assist devices in Spain, based on 15 years' experience.

Objectives: To describe the use of ventricular assist devices (VAD) in children in Spain and to identify variables related to survival.

Methods: This is an observational cohort study of all children younger than 18 years of age who underwent an initial implantation of a VAD at any of the 6 paediatric heart transplant centres from May 2006 to December 2020. Subjects were identified retrospectively from each hospital's database.

Total anomalous pulmonary venous return with mixed drainage and double connection: a rare case report not previously described.

Background: Total anomalous pulmonary venous return is a rare cyanotic congenital heart disease in which pulmonary veins connect to the systemic veins, right atrium, or coronary sinus. Given its variability, it is essential to define the pathway and drainage site.

Case Summary: We describe a 3-day-old patient with total anomalous pulmonary venous return, in which the four pulmonary veins drained into a common vertical vein that had a double connection at the cardiac (coronary sinus) and infracardiac (portal vein) levels.

Effects of Cardiopulmonary Rehabilitation on the Muscle Function of Children with Congenital Heart Disease: A Prospective Cohort Study.

Critical medical and surgical advances have led to a shift in the care and management of children with congenital heart disease (CHD). These patients present with muscle deconditioning, which negatively influences their response to exercise, functional capacities, and quality of life. This study evaluates the influence of a cardiopulmonary rehabilitation program (CPRP) on the function of peripheral musculature of children with CHD.

Cardiopulmonary Rehabilitation Improves Respiratory Muscle Function and Functional Capacity in Children with Congenital Heart Disease. A Prospective Cohort Study.

Critical surgical and medical advances have shifted the focus of congenital heart disease (CHD) patients from survival to achievement of a greater health-related quality of life (HRQoL). HRQoL is influenced, amongst other factors, by aerobic capacity and respiratory muscle strength, both of which are reduced in CHD patients. This study evaluates the influence of a cardiopulmonary rehabilitation program (CPRP) on respiratory muscle strength and functional capacity.