Philly Children’s Hospital Breaks Ground with First Infant Artificial Heart Surgery for Complex Congenital Disease

Groundbreaking Surgery Gives Toddler A Second Chance At Life

Philadelphia,PA – October 29,2025 – In a landmark achievement for pediatric cardiology,a two-year-old boy is thriving after undergoing a total artificial heart surgery at Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia (CHOP). The complex procedure,a first of its kind at the renowned hospital for an infant,has offered a lifeline to the young patient who was born with a severe congenital heart defect.

Complex Condition Demanded Innovative Solution

Michael Webb was diagnosed prenatally with double outlet right ventricle (DORV) and Taussig-Bing anomaly, exceptionally rare and critical heart conditions. These defects cause the aorta and pulmonary artery to originate from the right ventricle, accompanied by a ventricular septal defect. Initial treatments in Virginia proved insufficient, prompting the family to seek specialized care at CHOP’s Cardiac Center, recognized globally for its expertise in complex pediatric cardiac cases.

A Medical First: Total Artificial Heart Support

Upon arrival at CHOP at ten months old, Michael was critically ill. Doctors, led by Katsuhide Maeda, MD, PhD, steadfast conventional surgical options where not immediately viable. The medical team embarked on an unprecedented course of action: removing most of Michael’s heart tissue, including both ventricles, and initially using a biventricular support system. This temporary measure offered crucial circulatory support while awaiting a suitable heart transplant.

As Michael stabilized, doctors transitioned him to two berlin Hearts, fully mechanical devices that completely replaced his heart’s function. These devices effectively restored blood flow and sustained vital organ function for nine months-an extraordinary period of support.

The Role of Advanced Cardiac Therapies

CHOP’s Advanced Cardiac Therapies for Heart Failure Patients (ACT-HF) program played a pivotal role in Michael’s journey. This program specializes in utilizing mechanical circulatory support devices, like ventricular assist devices (VADs), to bolster heart function and provide a bridge to transplant. according to the american Heart Association, congenital heart defects affect nearly 1% of births in the United States each year, underscoring the importance of continued advancements in pediatric cardiac care.

Rehabilitation and a Life-Saving Transplant

During his nine months of VAD support, Michael underwent intensive physical, occupational, and speech therapies – integral components of CHOP’s ACT-HF program. These therapies are designed to promote typical advancement and optimize health for transplantation. In December 2024, the joyous news arrived: a matching heart was available.

Despite post-transplant challenges, Michael demonstrated remarkable resilience, recovering quickly and returning home earlier this year.His parents report he is blossoming, exhibiting a vibrant personality.The family now makes regular monthly trips to CHOP for follow-up appointments.

“We are immensely grateful to the team at CHOP, and to the selfless donor family, for transforming what could have been a tragedy into an incredible success story,” shared Richard Webb, Michael’s father.”We hope our experience provides hope and inspiration to other families navigating similar difficulties.”

Milestone	Date
Initial Diagnosis (DORV/Taussig-Bing)	Prenatal
Transfer to CHOP	10 months old
Total Artificial Heart Surgery	[Date not specified in source]
Transition to Berlin Hearts	[Date not specified in source]
Heart Transplant	December 2024

Understanding Congenital Heart Defects

Congenital heart defects, like those Michael Webb faced, are structural abnormalities of the heart present at birth. These defects can range in severity and complexity, frequently enough requiring lifelong medical care. Advances in surgical techniques, mechanical support devices, and post-operative care have dramatically improved outcomes for children with congenital heart disease. Early diagnosis through prenatal screening and specialized care at centers like CHOP are crucial for optimizing a child’s chances of a healthy life.

Did you know? Approximately 90% of children with congenital heart defects now survive into adulthood, thanks to advancements in medical care.

Pro Tip: If you or someone you know is expecting a child, discuss the importance of prenatal screenings for congenital heart defects with your healthcare provider.

Frequently Asked Questions About Artificial Hearts & Congenital Heart Defects

• What is a total artificial heart? A total artificial heart replaces the natural heart, taking over its function of pumping blood throughout the body.
• What are ventricular assist devices (VADs)? VADs are mechanical pumps that support heart function, often used as a bridge to transplant or to help the heart recover.
• What causes congenital heart defects? The exact causes are often unknown, but genetic factors and environmental influences can play a role.
• How common are congenital heart defects? Congenital heart defects affect roughly 1% of all births, making them one of the most common birth defects.
• What is the long-term outlook for children with congenital heart defects? with advances in medical care, many children with congenital heart defects can live full and active lives.
• What role does rehabilitation play after a heart transplant or VAD implantation? Intensive rehabilitation is crucial for restoring strength, improving function, and preparing patients for a successful recovery.
• What is the ACT-HF program at CHOP? CHOP’s ACT-HF program offers specialized care for heart failure patients, focusing on advanced therapies and innovative mechanical support.

what are your thoughts on the advancements in pediatric cardiac care? Share your experiences or questions in the comments below!

What are the primary challenges in adapting artificial heart technology for use in infants compared to older children and adults?

pioneering Pediatric Cardiac Care: A New Era for Infants with Heart Failure

Philadelphia Children’s Hospital (CHOP) has achieved a monumental milestone in pediatric cardiology – the first prosperous implantation of a total artificial heart in an infant. This groundbreaking surgery offers a lifeline to babies born with severe complex congenital heart disease who are ineligible for traditional heart transplants or awaiting a donor heart. The procedure, performed on[Dateofsurgery-[Dateofsurgery-replace with actual date], represents a significant leap forward in treating infant heart failure and expands treatment options for critically ill newborns.

Understanding Complex Congenital Heart Disease

Congenital heart defects are structural abnormalities of the heart present at birth. “Complex” defects involve multiple, severe issues that substantially impair heart function. These conditions often require multiple surgeries early in life, and sometimes, even those aren’t enough. Common examples include:

* Hypoplastic Left Heart Syndrome (HLHS): The left side of the heart is severely underdeveloped.

* Double Inlet Left Ventricle: Both the atria connect to the left ventricle.

* Severe Pulmonary Atresia: The pulmonary valve doesn’t form properly, blocking blood flow to the lungs.

* Total Anomalous Pulmonary Venous Return (TAPVR): Pulmonary veins don’t connect to the heart correctly.

These conditions can lead to pediatric heart failure, where the heart cannot pump enough blood to meet the body’s needs. Traditional treatments, like medications and staged reconstructive surgeries, aren’t always sufficient, especially in the most critical cases.

The Artificial Heart: A Bridge to Transplant

The artificial heart used at CHOP is a modified version of devices previously used in older children and adults. Adapting the technology for infants presented unique challenges due to thier smaller size and delicate physiology. Key considerations included:

* Device Miniaturization: Creating a pump small enough to fit within an infant’s chest cavity.

* Biocompatibility: Ensuring the materials used wouldn’t cause rejection or blood clots.

* Hemodynamic Support: Providing adequate blood flow to support organ function.

This artificial heart serves as a bridge to transplant,keeping the infant alive and stable until a suitable donor heart becomes available. It allows vital organs to rest and recover, improving the child’s chances of a successful transplant. The device provides complete circulatory support, taking over the function of both ventricles.

Surgical Procedure and Post-Operative Care

The surgery itself is highly complex,requiring a specialized team of pediatric cardiac surgeons,perfusionists,and critical care nurses. The process generally involves:

1. Cardiopulmonary Bypass: The infant is placed on a heart-lung machine to circulate blood during the surgery.
2. Native Heart Removal: The damaged or underdeveloped native heart is carefully removed.
3. Artificial Heart Implantation: The artificial heart is meticulously implanted, connecting it to the major blood vessels.
4. Post-Operative Monitoring: Intensive monitoring in the Pediatric Intensive Care Unit (PICU) is crucial to manage blood pressure, oxygen levels, and prevent complications like infection or bleeding.

Post-operative care includes anticoagulation therapy to prevent blood clots, careful monitoring of organ function, and rehabilitation to maintain muscle strength and mobility. Long-term management will involve close follow-up with the cardiology team.

Benefits of Artificial Heart Support in Infants

This advancement offers several potential benefits for infants with severe congenital heart disease:

* Increased Survival Rates: Provides a life-saving option for infants who would otherwise have limited treatment options.

* Improved Quality of Life: Allows infants to grow and develop while awaiting transplant, rather than being critically ill.

* Enhanced Transplant Outcomes: A stable, well-nourished infant is more likely to tolerate a heart transplant successfully.

* Expanded Research Opportunities: This pioneering work will pave the way for further advancements in pediatric cardiac care.

Real-World Impact and Future Directions

While this first case represents a significant breakthrough, CHOP is actively working to refine the procedure and expand it’s availability to more infants in need. Ongoing research focuses on:

* Developing smaller, more efficient artificial hearts.

* Improving biocompatibility to reduce the risk of complications.

* Exploring alternative therapies,such as regenerative medicine,to repair or rebuild damaged hearts.

* Optimizing post-operative care protocols to maximize long-term outcomes.

The success at CHOP underscores the importance of continued investment in pediatric cardiology research and the dedication of healthcare professionals committed to improving the lives of children with heart disease. This groundbreaking surgery offers hope to families facing the unimaginable challenge of a child born with a life-threatening heart condition.

Resources for Families

* The Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia (CHOP): https://www.chop.edu/

* American Heart Association: https://www.heart.org/

* Congenital Heart Information Network: