Cardiff Baby Receives Berlin Heart After 2 Cardiac Arrests, Awaits Transplant
Updated
Updated · bbc.co.uk · Aug 22
Cardiff Baby Receives Berlin Heart After 2 Cardiac Arrests, Awaits Transplant
3 articles · Updated · bbc.co.uk · Aug 22
Summary
Macs Green is "thriving" after surgeons at Newcastle's Freeman Hospital fitted a Berlin Heart on 7 August, days after his parents feared he might die.
Two cardiac arrests and a diagnosis of dilated cardiomyopathy left the previously healthy baby in heart failure, first on an Ecmo machine in Bristol and then needing multiple surgeries for the external pump.
The Berlin Heart has taken over his heart's function and let doctors reduce heavy sedation; his parents said he is now smiling and responsive again.
An 18-month to 2-year wait for a donor heart is possible, his mother said, though timing remains uncertain and the family says significant risks remain while he stays on the device.
NHS Blood and Transplant said 17 Berlin Hearts were fitted in children across the UK in 2024-25, as Macs' family urged parents to consider organ donation.