The following is a transcript of a report by medical editor Marilyn Brooks that first aired Dec. 3, 2007, on WTAE Channel 4 Action News at 5 p.m.

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There is promising news for heart failure patients who are ineligible for a heart transplant.

Heart surgeons at Allegheny General Hospital are testing a new, third-generation device as a possible permanent alternative to transplantation.

Left ventricular assist devices have been around for a decade or so. They are used as a temporary bridge to transplant. This new device is designed primarily as an alternative. That, and its size, are just two things that make it unique.

Carl Fazio was on borrowed time. Despite surgery 10 years ago to replace a leaky mitral valve, he developed atrial fibrillation -- an abnormal rhythm of the heart's two upper chambers. It has been downhill ever since.

"I was getting very weak walking, loss of energy, trouble breathing, sleeping," Fazio said.

Those were clear signs of heart failure. But at age 74, he is not a candidate for heart transplantation, and medications don't work forever. The only hope was a left ventricular assist device.

His doctor had one suggestion: "Do it while your organs are still functioning pretty good," Fazio said.

The ventricular assist device that is currently being used, and has been for about a decade, weighs about five pounds and is hooked up to a lot of equipment.

The new, investigational device weighs just 10 ounces and is about 2.5 inches wide.

"We think the smaller size and the small amount of movement from the device itself leads to less complications," Dr. Stephen Bailey said.

There are fewer infections, and the device has just one moving part and a portable battery. It takes over most of the heart's function, and a computer records data.

"Most patients who get this as destination therapy -- it's not a bridge to transplant -- will have the pump for life," Bailey said.

"If I can get eight to 10 years, I'll be happy," Fazio said.

Fazio is one of 26 patients in the country who now have the new cardiac assist system.

More:
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