Mini artificial heart saves 3-year-old (2)

(ANSA) - Rome, April 23 - Doctors at Rome's Bambino Gesù have used a 'mini artificial heart' to save the life of a three-year-old girl, sources said Monday. The Vatican-owned hospital had to obtain extraordinary authorization to use a 15mm ventricular-assistance device that is about to undergo clinical tests in the United States. The child suffers from dilated cardiomyopathy and is on a waiting list for a heart transplant.
    She is in a good condition after having surgery on February 2.
    It is the second operation of its kind in the world after one conducted in 2012, also by the Holy See hospital.