First heart assist implant patient gets new heart

Posted: Updated:

By Nicole Johnson bio | email | twitter

CHARLESTON, SC (WCSC) - A first of its kind medical procedure in the state is successfully completed on a patient at the Medical University of South Carolina. Thomas Joyner, the first recipient of an implantable heart pump finally gets a new heart after a nearly three month wait.

He says the medical technology helped him resume life at home, as he waited for his life-saving transplant.

"My heart didn't pump but like 15%, where a normal person's heart pumps like 65%. When I came in here I had so much fluid on my lungs that I couldn't even breathe," Joyner said.

In May, Joyner's congestive heart failure and need for a new heart became critical, after suffering liver and kidney problems. His cardiologist at MUSC told him he would have to be on a heart pump and suggested a new implantable device called the HeartMate II.

"Technology has come a long way from that time to now, when the pump can fit in the size of your hand actually, and it's completely implantable, and the only part that comes out of the body is a power cord that hooks up to a battery pack," Dr. Jennifer Peura said.

The new device replaces older heart pumps, which were the size of a suitcase or small desk and confined patients to intensive care at the hospital.

"They said it was new and they hadn't ever tried it here, and it had so many benefits," Joyner said.

While on the pump, Joyner did cardiac rehab exercises with doctors. He also resumed his home life under the care of his sister. After nearly three months on the pump a new heart became available.

"Forty-eight year old with a 28-year-old heart, that's healthy. The sky's the limit now," Joyner said.

About a week after heart transplant surgery, Joyner can leave the hospital thanks to the help of the new technology.

MUSC is the only hospital in the state to offer the implantable heart pump. Doctors say about 30% of heart transplant patients die before a new heart becomes available.

You must be logged in to rate this story. Login or register

Comments

Terms of Use: We welcome your participation in our community. Please keep your comments civil and on point. Notify us of any inappropriate comments by clicking the “Mark as Offensive” link. You must be at least 13 years of age to post comments. By submitting a comment, you agree to these Terms of Service

You must be logged in to leave a comment. Login or register

See all comments

Close window Branding