At 13 days old, a baby girl in England was connected to an artificial heart, making her the youngest person in history to be fitted with one.
"A 2-week oldy baby in England has become the youngest patient ever to be fitted with an artifical heart." [3 News]
When she was born, her coronary arteries hadn’t been properly formed.
Also, her heart was so weak that it wasn’t beating at all.
The medical team was quick to begin surgery on the baby, and in a procedure that lasted 9 hours, connected her to a device known as a Berlin Heart that pumps her blood for her.
It’s hoped that the external means will keep her alive until a donor organ can be located.
"There's nowhere near enough donors. It's not just our baby. There are lots of babies in this hospital waiting for a transplant." [ITV]
Her parents are remaining positive that all will work out, and their little girl will go on to live a full life, as have other babies who survived similar situations.
Children have also been known to live more than 200 days on the support system.
Said the mother, “It was very, very scary when they told us what was wrong, I did not take it in at first. They have to offer a termination to everyone in this position, but it was never for us.”
She did express frustration and sadness, however, at not being able to cuddle her newborn.
