British Man Fitted With World’s Smallest Heart Pump

A father-of-three has become the first person in the world to be given a miniature heart pump.

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Retired Harry Chivers, 63, was fitted with the Miniaturized Ventricular Assist Device (MVAD) a fortnight ago.

It’s a golf-ball sized pump, which costs £80k and it could help heart patients around the globe, according to the surgeon who implanted it.

The former general manager was awaiting a heart transplant, after failing health - following a heart attack last August.

The chance of becoming a pioneer for this operation came up and Mr Chivers, from Bangor, County Down, took it.

He travelled to Newcastle’s Freeman Hospital for the groundbreaking procedure, undertaken by Professor Stephan Schueler.

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Mr Chivers is reportedly feeling better and stronger, having made good progress.

He said: “I feel great, it has really improved my breathing and the operation has gone really well.

“I was quite happy to volunteer here because I have 100% confidence in the fantastic hospital.

“I am getting a lot better, I’m eating a lot better, I’m getting around and working on my physio. There’s a long way to go but I’m going to do it.”

Professor Schueler said it could offer hope to thousands with advanced heart disease, who were previously not able to receive help like this.

“They now have the choice to get these revolutionary devices. It is the fourth generation and they are tiny,” he added.

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Weighing 78g, it is half the size of previous devices and is powered by a battery worn around the abdomen.

Because of its size, it could also be suitable for some children with heart disease.

It will now go through a long trial process around the globe.