Here are the types of support offered:

• ECMO: This device supports both the heart and lungs. A pump that is outside the body is connected to either blood vessels in the neck or groin or to the heart itself. It can be used at the bedside and can be used for hours or weeks.
• Centrifugal VAD: This is the same pump as used for ECMO but without the artificial lung. It can support either the right or left ventricle. It is meant to be used for a few days up to two to three months.
• Berlin EXCOR: The Pulsatile pump sits outside the body and connects to the heart with small tubes through the chest. It can be used for several months.
• HeartMate 3: This is a VAD that is placed inside the chest and normally supports the left ventricle (LVAD). This device lets the patient go home and attend school or work. It is meant to be used for months to years.
• Impella: This is a small VAD that sits outside the body. It connects to the left ventricle (LVAD) through a small tube (catheter) inserted into an artery in the neck, arm or leg. This is meant to be used for just hours to days.
• Total artificial heart (TAH): This replaces both pumping chambers (left and right ventricle) with two VADs. In young children, the pumps are outside the body. They connect to the heart with small tubing through the chest. In adults, the pumps are placed inside the chest. Both forms are designed to be used for several months.

Opportunity to go home with VAD support: The Children's Wisconsin Pediatric VAD and ECMO Program is one of the leading pediatric programs in the country. Thanks to our experience and expertise, some of our pediatric patients can go home with their VAD support. They can go to school and take part in other activities while being monitored by our home VAD team.

Outstanding outcomes: If your child needs surgery, you’ll have access to world-class heart surgeons. The Herma Heart Institute has some of the best results for even the most complex types of heart disease. 

Lifelong support: We provide care to our patients in all ages and stages of life — from before birth through adulthood. Your fetal heart doctor can care for your child through their childhood. As they age, they can transition into our Adult Congenital Heart Disease Program.

Commitment to innovation: Our team is leading the way in congenital heart disease research. We are working to discover breakthrough treatments and procedures to improve outcomes.

Support beyond the clinic:
We know that our heart families need support that extends beyond the clinic. That’s why we invest in programs that help children thrive and get them back to being kids sooner:

• Neurodevelopmental Follow-up Program
• Educational Achievement Partnership Program