MONTREAL - A Laval woman has become the first Canadian to receive a revolutionary new heart device.
Lauza Legere was fitted with the C-Pulse cuff, which fits around the aorta to pump oxygen through the body.
Legere had a heart attack in August, and had the device implanted in December, as part of a clinical trial underway at the McGill University Health Centre.
Dr. Renzo Cecere says that the cuff greatly reduces the risk of strokes, and in some cases, has resulted in significant strengthening of the heart.
''There are probably thousands of patients who might benefit from a pump like this," said the doctor, who is director of the Mechanical Heart Assist Program and surgical director of the MUHC's transplant program.
"This would be an effective therapy as a so-called bridge to transplant. Alternatively, some patients would receive this as what we call destination therapy — this is their last and only option."
The doctor said Legere, who is in her mid-50s, was not a suitable candidate for a transplant at that moment and that other medical treatments weren't working for her.
He is currently conducting trials on the pump and hopes to implant 12 devices in the next 18 months.
The pump, which was invented in New Zealand, is based on a concept that's been around for 30 years, Cecere said. In the past, the technique has been used on heart patients who need additional, temporary support after surgery.
with files from The Canadian Press
