The German-Built Berlin Heart Saves A US-Born 5 Year Old Boy’s Life
May 2, 2007 by Kendra James, RN
Filed under Diseases & Conditions
Life has forever been changed for 5 year old Joseph Greenwood. He was a happy, healthy young boy until March, when he unexpectantly collapsed.
After CPR by his father, being taken via 911 to the closest hospital and then airlifted to the Medical University of South Carolina in Charleston, life saving decisions had to be made.
Doctors determined his heart had failed and diagnosed the problem as dilated cardiomyopathy. They suspected a virus that Joseph contracted a year ago had caused his immune system to attack and destroy his heart muscle. Gradually, his heart grew bigger and weaker until it finally stopped.
Joseph was put on a standard heart-lung machine, which is not used but for a couple of days to sustain life. There are no ventricular assist devices for children, but there was one pump that could save the young boys life.
The German built pump called the Berlin Heart, which is specifically designed to keep children alive while awaiting a transplant. Although not approved in the United States, it is being used in Europe. After many days of paperwork to file for a “compassionate release” by the FDA, the Berlin Heart was flown from Germany to Charleston.
The Berlin Heart allowed Joseph to grow stronger until nine days later, when he received the heart transplant he needed.
Technology blows my mind! Thank goodness for this cutting edge pump, it saved a 5 year old’s life.
via ABC News
