Did you catch this one? Toddler in Tucson with enlarged heart so much better after her heart gained strength during time on an experimental heart device from Europe, the Berlin Heart.
The Berlin Heart was designed especially for children and has not been approved for use in the US as of yet. Special permission is needed to use them here.
http://www.azstarnet.com/metro/119959.php While the device pumped for her failing heart, the 15-month-old girl — who had been put on the list for a heart transplant — recovered so well that UMC doctors released her Saturday.
"She's playing nonstop now. Her energy is great; she's eating and sleeping well. She's back to her normal self," said Ryan Lopez, Tiana's father.
Such a return to health was considered unlikely when Tiana first arrived at UMC with a severely enlarged heart barely able to pump her blood. Doctors immediately requested permission from federal health authorities to use the unapproved Berlin Heart to keep her alive, sent to Germany for it, and implanted it in Tiana on Feb. 7.
To the surprise and delight of her entire medical team, Tiana's heart grew strong enough to pump on its own two weeks ago, ending her need for either a transplant or the device. Although not quite normal, her heart function improved enough to allow her to return home last weekend, with no limits on her activity.
Medical team in Tucson didn't know for sure which size she would need, so they ordered 2 different sizes. They are now using the smaller one for an infant who is having problems, possibly due to viral infection damaging the heart.
"improved enough to allow her to return hom last weekend, with no limits on her activity" WOW. Yeah, I know, science can do amazing things, WOW!
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