Worlds First Pediatric Hospital to Implant Total Artificial Heart Jordans Story

>> YOUR LINK HERE: ___ http://youtube.com/watch?v=oixUVlf5h9U

Jordan Merecka, 17, was born with multiple congenital heart defects, including dextrocardia, or a “reversed” heart. As a child, he received two open chest surgeries, several surgical revisions, and an implantable defibrillator. In April 2011, his health took a turn for the worse, and he was in critical need of a heart transplant. Over the weekend of May 21, all of his organs began to fail acutely and he could not breathe on his own since his heart was so weak. • On May 22 2011, Jordan underwent a history-making heart surgery at Texas Children’s Heart Center, where his native heart was removed and replaced by the Total Artificial Heart, which serve as a bridge to donor-heart transplantation. Texas Children’s Hospital became the first pediatric hospital in the world to implant the SynCardia temporary Total Artificial Heart into the chest of a teen. • After spending three months tethered to a 418-pound machine called “Big Blue” that powered his Total Artificial Heart while he was in the hospital, Jordan was able to leave the hospital and go home wearing the Freedom® portable driver. This battery-operated, 13.5-lb portable power supply allowed him to return to his home and move around freely while he awaited a donor heart. • As opposed to waiting in the hospital for his donor heart, the Total Artificial Heart allowed Jordan the luxury of being at home with his friends and family; the chance to rehabilitate and become stronger in preparation for his heart transplant, and most importantly, the time he needed to get a well matched donor heart. • Learn more about the Hear Failure Program at Texas Children's Hospital • http://www.texaschildrens.org/Locate/... • Learn more about the Congenital Heart Surgery Service at Texas Children's Hospital • http://www.texaschildrens.org/Locate/... • Learn more about the Heart Transplant Program at Texas Children's Hospital • http://www.texaschildrens.org/Locate/... • Learn more about Texas Children's Heart Center • http://www.texaschildrens.org/heart/ • ------------------------------------------- • Update to Jordan’s Condition: • Good news! On Saturday, Oct. 29, 2011, 18-year-old Jordan Merecka received a phone call that changed his life; he learned that he was a good match for a donor heart. After a 12-hour heart transplant surgery at Texas Children's Hospital, Merecka and his family are celebrating his amazing gift of a new life. • Watch the news here for more information: • Texas Children's Hospital's first Tot...

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