Todd Cont 4-16-11

Why is Todd lying in a private bed in the brand new cardiac wing at U of M, you may ask? Because doctors there have offered him a solution other than hoping that an exact tissue match with a healthy heart is lingering somewhere on life support. There exists a small (about the size of a D cell battery) pump that can be installed by slipping it under the breastbone. It is a minimally invasive procedure that gives the patient a HUGE, immediate improvement. In most cases they return back to everyday activities within a week or so! The pump is designed to last for quite some time (although you have to be careful with the external power and monitoring source you wear on your belt.) Best of all, there is no need for an immediate bypass of his THREE blocked arteries, as the pump does not require oxygen to operate. Doctors are not exactly sure how long the pump will continue to work before failing, but some estimates fall within the five year range. Five years is a long time to be waiting for a donor heart (which is the permanent fix) and needless to say your chances go up the longer you are on the list. To be cont...