Pediatric Impella® Patient Thriving After Receiving a Heart Transplant

When Katrina was nine weeks old, she needed a heart transplant due to congenital abnormalities in her heart. For the next 16 years, she felt well until she developed arrhythmias at the age of 16. For the next two years, Katrina was medically managed until tests discovered she had severe coronary artery disease. A defibrillator was placed and in July 2022, she was listed for a second heart transplant. Despite her health challenges, Katrina continued her collegiate studies at St. Joseph’s College, working towards an undergraduate degree in psychology. Then in May 2023, at the age of 20 years old, she experienced chest pain and shortness of breath and went to the emergency room at the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia where she was admitted to the ICU. That’s when cardiovascular and thoracic surgeon, Dr. Katsuhide Maeda implanted the Impella 5.5 heart pump to allow Katrina’s heart to rest while she waited for a new heart. While on Impella support, she ambulated in the ICU and named her Impella “Ella the Impella.” On June 2, she received the news that a heart was ready. She successfully received a second heart transplant and eleven days later, Katrina went home with her family.

Today, Katrina is a college graduate and earned her master’s degree in applied behavior analysis. She is now a special education teacher. She enjoys going to the beach, cooking and spending time with family and friends.

As with any medical treatment, individual results may vary. There are potential risks, these risks need to be discussed with your doctor and recovery takes time. The success of this procedure depends on many factors, including your physical condition and your body’s ability to tolerate the procedure. Use care in the selection of your doctors and hospital, based on their skill and experience.