For the first time in NSW, teams at our hospital have performed heart surgery on a baby to implant an artificial heart. Known as a Berlin Heart, or a Ventricular Assist Device (VAD), the mechanical device sits outside the body and performs the function of the heart. It is used in patients with advanced heart failure and acts as a bridge until a patient is strong enough for heart transplant, or until a donor heart becomes available. The milestone surgery was led by Dr Johann Brink, Cardiothoracic

For people with heart failure, time is critical. One of the ways heart specialists can help people with heart failure is with a ventricular assist device, or VAD. Learn more from cardiovascular surgeon Dr. John Stulak. https://mayocl.in/2Utk7uv | Mayo Clinic