Bien Hecho: TX Surgeon Implants First Artificial Heart

Late last month Dr. David L.S. Morales, pediatric cardiovascular surgeon at Texas Children’s Heart Center helped save one teenager’s life when he and his team successfully implanted a new heart into the body of long-time patient Jordan Merecka.

Earlier in the year Merecka made history when became Texas Children’s Hospital’s first Total Artificial Heart recipient, undergoing surgery by Dr. Morales in which a SynCardia temporary heart was placed in his body.  The revolutionary artificial device bought him time while he waited for a donor, helping to save his life when his real heart began to fail.

The artificial heart also improved the quality of Merecka’s life while he was waiting, as mentioned by Dr. Morales in the press release:

As opposed to waiting in the hospital for his donor heart, the Total Artificial Heart allowed Jordan the luxury of being at home with his friends and family; the chance to rehabilitate and become stronger in preparation for his heart transplant, and most importantly, the time he needed to get a well matched donor heart.

For both surgeries Dr. Morales led a 15-member team of cardiologists, critical care intensivists, anesthesiologists, nursing specialists and hematologists.  Aside from being a life-saver he is also associate professor of surgery and pediatrics at Baylor College of Medicine (BCM) and director of mechanical circulation support at Texas Children’s Hospital.

Spread the word! Our weekly Bien Hecho segment, highlights the good deeds and achievements of Latinos across the U.S. If you feel that someone you know is deserving of recognition, let us know at tips@newstaco.com.