World’s smallest heart transplanted into a baby in Italy

Doctors in Italy say they have carried out a transplant on a baby using the world's smallest heart, Reuters reported.

The transplant occured last month but was recently made public.

The 16-month-old baby was suffering from dilated myocardiopathy, a disease that weakens the heart and may cause the organ to fail.

Instead of a real heart, surgeons at Rome's Bambino Gesu hospital, used a titanium device that weighs eleven grams and can pump 1.5 liters of blood per minute through the body, reported Technology Review.

The device was invented by Robert Jarvik, an American doctor and inventor, who was consulted before the surgery.

The titanium heart, which will soon be replaced by a real heart, was only previously only tested on animals.

The young boy had been in intensive care since one-month of age.

Read more on GlobalPostIsraeli scientists create heart muscle cells from skin cells in the lab

Will you support The World with a monthly donation?

There is no paywall on the story you just read because a community of dedicated listeners and readers have contributed to keep the global news you rely on free and accessible for all. Will you join the 319 donors who have supported The World so far? From now until Dec. 31, your gift will help us unlock a $67,000 match. Donate today to double your impact!