New pump for advanced heart failure patients

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http://www.todayonline.com/Singapore/EDC130108-0000065/New-pump-for-advanced-heart-failure-patients

A new heart assist device that is smaller and lighter is now available for patients with advanced heart failure.

The golf ball-sized heart pump known as HeartWare Ventricular Assist Device (HVAD) is the third generation of mechanical heart devices and will allow patients to enjoy a better quality of life and functional capacity while waiting for a heart transplant.

In September last year, the National Heart Centre Singapore (NHCS) successfully implanted the first HVAD in 57-year-old Mdm Helen Tan, who has suffered from heart failure since 2006.

"Before...I was always out of breath, tired and so weak that I could hardly walk and go about with my daily life. Now that I have this heart pump, I can get back to my normal routine and help look after my grandchildren," Mdm Tan said.