A grandfather has become the first person in the world to be fitted with a miniature version of a life-saving heart pump.

Barry Wade, 60, was left with advanced heart failure after a scuba diving accident eight years ago.

Doctors at Wythenshawe Hospital had already tried corrective surgery, but his condition continued to worsen. Barry was considered too ill to undergo heart-transplant surgery and his future looked bleak.

But he was offered a lifeline in the form of a revolutionary heart pump, called Heartmate2.
The Titanium pump - which weighs just 12 ounces - rotates nine times faster than an electric drill.

The grandfather-of-five has responded so well to the procedure he is expected to return home to Chelford, near Macclesfield, this week. He said: 'It's been a tough eight years but I hope all that is behind me now. I have a new chance of life and I am looking forward to the birth of my new grandson next month. I feel very privileged to have been chosen to pioneer this remarkable device.'

Dr Steve Shaw, consultant cardiologist at Wythenshawe Hospital said: "The refined features of the Heartmate2 include computer technology which will allow Barry to read out power consumption and blood flow if he is feeling unwell to alert doctors. There is also a built-in back-up battery in case he accidentally disconnects the power."

Prof Nizar Yonan, director of transplant at Wythenshawe Hospital, said the Heartmate 2 could be used to support patients while they wait for a donor heart or, as in Barry's case, as a permanent option.
He said: "We are keeping Barry in hospital for a couple of days for observation and tests, but we are really pleased with his progress."

Source: Manchester Evening News.