In a first of its kind, a 15-year-old Italian boy has undergone a permanent artificial heart implant, which is expected to allow him to lead another 20 to 25 years of ‘normal life’.
The unnamed Italian boy, who had to undergo a ten-hour operation to implant the artificial heart last week, was reported to be recovering well and was able to interact with medics at Bambino Gesu children’s hospital in Rome
Doctors have decided to give him the artificial heart as the child was suffering from the muscle-wasting illness Duchenne’s syndrome. He was very close to his death and was ineligible for a heart transplant, the Daily Mail reported.
Officials at the hospital said the artificial heart is expected to give the boy another 20 to 25 years of ‘normal life’.
Dr Antonio Amodeo, who carried out the 10-hour-long breakthrough operation, said the heart is 2.5 in long and was placed inside the left ventricle and its connection with the ascending aorta.
He said: “The device is an electrically activated hydraulic pump and is entirely located inside the thorax, in order to reduce the risk of infection.
It is powered through a plug positioned behind the left ear and connected to a battery that the patient holds on a belt and is charged during the night like a mobile phone.
“This is the first time such a device has been placed in a young child and should give him an improved quality of life even though he is suffering from Duchenne’s syndrome.” According to the doctors, the device weighs just over 3oz compared to adult ones.
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