Heart-pump pioneers at LDS

Stanley Roberts was once cardiologist Dr. William Mackie's physician's assistant. Years later, when Roberts' heart was failing, his doctor-friend said he held Roberts together with "baling wire and duct tape."

When that wasn't enough, Roberts became the 200th individual to have a left-ventricular assist device (LVAD) implanted at LDS Hospital, where Mackie practices. After seven heart attacks and implantation of a defibrillator — which fired eight times in nine months — Mackie was hospitalized March 15. Dr. James Long, director of the Utah Artificial Heart Program, implanted the heart pump.

The program at LDS Hospital is a pioneer in the technology and has implanted more permanent artificial heart pumps than any other in the United States. Currently, about three dozen of the hospital's LVAD patients from 10 states, ranging in age from 10 to 81, are living and growing strong with help from the device.

On Monday, the doctor was on hand to wish his old fishing buddy a good trip home to Ferron, Emery County, where the 74-year-old Roberts, most recently a professional hunting guide, hopes to be up on his new four-wheeler in no time.

He wears the external controller and battery in a fanny pack, connected to the device — smaller than a junior hamburger — that's implanted in his abdomen. It takes over most of the pumping action of the heart, and Roberts says he's feeling better than he has in years.

Long's not surprised. He says some of his LVAD patients have returned to work or started traveling. A few have even returned to the ski slopes.

First made as a bridge to a heart transplant, the devices are now approved for permanent implant. Clinical trials are now testing a new generation of devices, which are expected to last longer and be even smaller. One designed in Utah should be in trials by the end of the year.

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E-mail: lois@desnews.com