Twenty years ago, our Heart Center became the first in Texas to implant a pediatric ventricular assist device (VAD) called the Berlin Heart into a patient teetering on life. Recently, providers and staff from our internationally renowned center came together to celebrate this successful and groundbreaking surgery that redefined our approach to bridge-to-transplant care for children with heart failure.
In addition to celebrating the 20th anniversary of the case that transformed pediatric heart care, the center reinforced its dedication to using cutting-edge technology to heal and give hope to every child with a congenital or acquired heart condition.
Chief of Congenital Heart Surgery Dr. Jeffrey Heinle and Surgical Director of Heart Transplant and Mechanical Support Dr. Iki Adachi had pride in their eyes during the event as they presented about the center’s generational impact in mechanical circulatory support and cardiac care. That same pride was shown in the eyes of Texas Children’s doctors in 2005 after they saved three-month-old Brady’s life by taking the bold step to implant the Berlin Heart at our hospital for the first time.
A Legacy of Life-Saving Innovation
Using innovative technology to advance pediatric cardiac care has been at the core of the Heart Center’s mission since its inception in 1984. This decades-long commitment to innovation is what encouraged our doctors to perform the risky, five-hour surgery on Brady, who was born with aortic valve stenosis with severe left ventricular dysfunction, and had been in critical condition since birth.
When our doctors offered the Berlin Heart as a treatment option to Brady’s parents, they reassured them that the VAD had shown remarkable promise, even though it had not yet been approved by the FDA. They explained that the device had already saved the lives of many children in Germany where it was developed. This news gave Brady’s parents a glimmer of hope in a difficult moment.
Although our doctors were performing the surgery for the first time, Brady’s parents felt confident their baby boy was in capable care. “Texas Children’s knew what they were doing,” said Becky, Brady’s mother. “They took care of us.”
During the surgery, our skillful Congenital Heart Surgery team placed small, flexible tubes into Brady’s heart. These tubes were connected through his skin to a pump outside his body. The mechanical pump and a computerized drive unit worked together to keep his blood flowing. He was on the VAD for 48 hours before he received a new heart from our life-changing Heart Transplant team.
Becky said although Brady was on the Berlin Heart for a short time, she believes the VAD helped him become strong enough to live through the transplant, which allows him to be alive and well today.
“We have the utmost trust in Texas Children’s,” said Becky. “They find things like the Berlin Heart, and they bring it here. They save children every day, so we’re thankful to them.”
Leading Pediatric Heart Care
In 2011, the FDA approved the Berlin Heart for children: an achievement made possible primarily by the vision, expertise and courage of our Heart Center which is currently ranked first in the nation for pediatric heart care.
The historic surgery our doctors performed on Brady showed the world that every child with severe heart failure, whether they are a tiny newborn or a growing teenager, could have a fighting chance at life.
“Brady’s journey inspired hope for children with heart failure,” said Dr. Adachi, “As we mark this wonderful, 20-year milestone, we celebrate the teamwork that made his recovery possible and reaffirm our commitment to innovative cardiac care.”
The Heart Center’s relentless pursuit of progress is reflected in every landmark moment they achieve.
For instance, when Brady received the VAD, he had to be confined to a hospital bed. Today, thanks to extraordinary advances in cardiac care at Texas Children’s, patients with the Berlin Heart can walk, play and enjoy other activities while connected to the device. This evolving device allows them to safely experience the joys of childhood.
“When families come to Texas Children’s from outside hospitals, I just hope Texas Children’s knows how thankful we are that they stay up to date on the latest and the greatest technology for these kids, and that they’re willing to sacrifice the risks and benefits of these new procedures and new machines,” said Becky. “This is home for us.”