20 Fassaugh Avenue
artificial heart
A young Mother recently received an artificial heart in a first time operation performed in this country in the Mater Hospital. The mother of four was deemed unsuitable for transplant because of a blood disorder. Surgeons decided to offer her a new technology, which is normally used to buy time for people waiting for a transplant.
This pump is regarded as a destination treatment, and she is likely to have it for life unless other medical advances in the future make her suitable for a transplant. This new device is called Left ventricular device (LVAD). It is a battery operated mechanical pump-type appliance that is surgically fitted to help maintain the pumping action of a heart that is unable to work effectually on its own.The Pump is carried in a shoulder bag containing the batteries and electronic controls for the implanted device. This device cost €90,000.
