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EXCOR Adullt Patient M.H. am Arbeitsplatz

Matthias from Germany

EXCOR® Adult

May 2019: 42-year-old Matthias needs surgery on his mitral valve, the heart valve between the left atrium and the left ventricle. It’s a routine procedure, one that normally requires two weeks’ hospitalization. But for Matthias, a couple of weeks turns into four months. What happened?

Complications arose during the operation. Matthias’ heart was stopped in order to perform the surgery, and a heart-lung machine was used to keep his circulation going. After the procedure, his heart is no longer capable of pumping enough blood on its own - the doctors aren’t able to wean Matthias from the heart-lung machine. It’s a life-threatening situation.

In this situation Matthias’ circulation cannot be stabilized, he has to be reanimated several times. Because of that Matthias is put into an artificial coma and connected to ECMO (Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation). A modified, miniaturized heart-lung machine that can be used to support heart and/or lung function for a few weeks so doctors have time to determine how to save his life. Unfortunately, as the doctors explain to his family, Matthias’ prognosis isn’t good. Since Matthias’ heart is unable to recover from the operation, he’ll need a heart transplant. It’s a shock for everyone involved. The average waiting period for a donor heart in Germany is several months.* And in the condition he’s in, Matthias may not have that kind of time left.

But Matthias’ wife, Doris, and his father, Josef, practically never leave his side, and remain in constant contact with the hospital for updates. “Giving up wasn’t an option,” says Doris, who fought for her husband’s life while trying to keep daily life going with their two sons (7 and 10). So it’s also thanks to her that, as a last resort, Matthias’ doctors ultimately chose to move him to University Hospital Regensburg.

The Regensburg facility has many years of experience with mechanical circulatory support systems. Though still on ECMO support, Matthias was brought out of his artificial coma to discuss further treatment options. Implantable continuous-flow systems only approved for left ventricular support were not an option for Matthias, because neither side of his heart was capable of pumping sufficient blood through his body.

Instead, Prof. Schmid, director of the Department of Cardiac, Thoracic, and Coronary Vascular Surgery at University Hospital Regensburg, elected to implant an EXCOR^® Adult system. The paracorporeal, pulsatile system is especially designed and approved for biventricular circulatory support, making it the only option for keeping Matthias alive while he waits for a donor heart. Matthias and his family agree to the implantation. The operation is a success, and Matthias’ condition begins improving shortly thereafter. His recovery goes so well that, after just a few days, he can be mobilized and leave University Hospital Regensburg using a mobile EXCOR^® system. Subsequent rehabilitation helps him recover his strength while he learns to use the system.

Finally, after four months, he is able to return home to his family and wait for a donor heart in the company of his loved ones. “Thanks to the two pulsatile pumps, my health has improved a great deal,” the 42-year-old electrical engineer says. “I feel good - much better than I would have expected when we originally decided to use the EXCOR^®. My most recent laboratory results reflect that, too.”

Matthias, a managing director of a medium-sized company that manufactures assembly lines for the automotive industry, quickly grew accustomed to the system - so much, in fact, that he started working again in September 2019. For now, he works four hours a day, but if things keep going this well for him, he can see himself extending that to six- or eight-hour days.

“I don’t want to spend my days on the couch while I’m waiting for a donor heart,” he says. “It does me good to have work and family life to keep me occupied - they’re truly a gift.” The Harlander family has settled into a “new normal”: Doris and Matthias are back to work, and both are involved in the children’s after-school activities again. Matthias’ mobility plays a big role in that, representing both a challenge and a source of strength, and the family has a deep appreciation for each new day they face together.

We wish Matthias and his family the best, and we’re crossing our fingers that it won’t be long until a suitable donor heart becomes available to him.

*see www.organspende-info.de

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Tatjana from Saarland, Germany

EXCOR® Adult

At the age of 27, Tatjana noticed that something was not right: suddenly, going up the stairs was difficult and she had cramps at nighttime. When she went to see her family doctor, he referred her directly to the hospital to see a specialist. The specialist gave her a diagnosis: dilated cardiomyopathy, irreversible damage to the cardiac muscle tissue.

A defibrillator was implanted and she also had to take medications regularly. All of this only helped in part, however. In the following years, Tatjana had to undergo repeated cardiac catheter examinations and continue taking medications to support her heart's total pump output. Over time her condition worsened to such an extent that only a donor heart or, provisionally, a ventricular assist device would be of help. Thus, on August 25, 2016 this young mother was implanted with an EXCOR^® system at the University Hospital Heidelberg. After approximately four months in the hospital and three weeks in rehab, she was finally able to return home to her family.

Tatjana lived with the EXCOR^® system for more than one and a half years. Two pumps and the Excor mobil driving unit were her constant companions. They continuously supported the two weakened sides of her heart and supplied her body with blood. Over time, the Saarland native was able to regain her strength and reach a normal body weight. In conversation she tells us that she has no problems with EXCOR^® and that she trusts the system. Nevertheless, the system’s driving unit is fairly heavy and she noticed it when climbing stairs or when out for a walk. Thanks to the heart support system, Tatjana was able to stay at home with her family while waiting for a donor heart. There she took care of the house and of her lively young daughter. The now 35-year-old avoided the hospital as much as possible: “Thankfully, I didn’t have to go to the clinic very often. I checked the pumps myself using my mobile phone flashlight and a mirror. My partner took care of the wound dressings.“

In order to prepare herself for the time she would be on EXCOR^®, Tatjana did some Internet research. She felt good knowing that there are other patients who live with such a system. Her VAD coordinator in Heidelberg and her family also helped her to manage the new situation.

In August 2018 it was finally time to find a suitable donor heart. The transplantation was successful and although it was a hard road for Tatjana, she is well today, with her new heart. She has been working again since February 2019. Not much, as she says, but it’s a start.

We are very happy for Tatjana and wish her and her family all the best for the future.

_{The access to some or all shown products may be restricted by country-specific regulatory approvals. The use of EXCOR^® VAD for adults, RVAD-support, Excor mobil and EXCOR^® Active is not FDA-approved.}

[Translate to Englisch:]

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Mathias from Baden-Württemberg, Germany

EXCOR® Adult

Up until November 2007 I was actually very healthy. I was in very good shape. I actively played soccer and went to the gym 3-4 times per week. In summer 2007 I had several flu-like infections from which I was unable to recover completely. Then I noticed that my ability to function dipped almost every day.

This ended with me being taken to the ER one night with shortness of breath. I received the diagnosis of dilated cardiomyopathy – a complete surprise to me, that someone of my age and level of physical fitness would have to deal with cardiac insufficiency.

In February 2008 I was fitted with an implantable defibrillator. In addition, medication-based therapy was adjusted to a level with which I would be able to live a rather “normal” life. I completed a vocational diploma and then successfully completed my studies in Business Administration. Next, I started working for an IT company.

In August 2013 I suffered from cardiac decompensation and had to be taken once again to Emergency at the University Hospital Homburg. Since my condition did not improve, I decided in December 2013 to check myself into the hospital in order to receive treatment. On December 13, 2013, I was added to the transplantation list with an HU (high urgency) status.

After that, everything happened very quickly. Over the Christmas holiday I experienced multiple organ failure of my heart, kidneys and liver. On December 27 I was told that I would be moved to Cardiac Surgery. I had to undergo several tests, but the end result was that I needed an EXCOR^® ventricular assist device from Berlin Heart. On this particular day I received temporary circulatory support and was placed in an artificial coma. On January 2, 2014, I was implanted with the EXCOR^® system.

At the beginning everything felt very strange, my family and I had to get used to the device. However, every single day we took one step forward and no steps back. After a three-week rehabilitation period I was able to go home. This was possible because my family, especially my wife and I, had become technically familiarized with the EXCOR^® system. Thanks to my wife, we were able to change the wound dressings at home. Her many years of experience as a doctor’s assistant at a Dermatology practice was an advantage for us.

Every four weeks I went to the hospital in Heidelberg for follow-up visits. My state of health had improved enormously. I was able to help out at home, which eased my wife's burden a bit. We went shopping together and went for walks around our neighborhood. When we had free days we enjoyed taking day trips with friends. On these occasions I was the only one who didn't want to take a break. In short, with Excor mobil a person can have a pretty normal life. It is almost like living without an EXCOR^® system, but somewhat more tedious in certain situations. But I, or rather we, were able to overcome even these situations. The EXCOR^® was simply there. And we are so grateful that something like this exists. It saved my life.

Then came November 2, 2015. During the morning I was in the city with my wife. Once home I laid down on the sofa to rest a bit. Suddenly, I choked and started coughing. My wife noticed immediately that something was wrong and she called the ambulance. I couldn't speak clearly anymore. A short time afterwards, an emergency team arrived. My left arm and left leg were making movements that I could not control. It quickly became clear that I was suffering from a stroke. The ambulance raced to the University Hospital in Homburg. The initial tests confirmed our suspicion and my mind slowly started to clear. I took it with good humor and told myself that I could finally be placed on the donor list under high urgency status, and I would probably receive a donor organ very soon. I remained one more week in the Stroke Unit. Then came the news we had longed for. I was transferred to Heidelberg and listed as highest priority – a small possibility in Germany of receiving a donor heart on time. During the week in the Stroke Unit, almost everything normalized again. Very little remained from the stroke, and I took the following step full of optimism. It was clear to me that, from this point on, I would only leave the hospital once I had received a donor heart. How long that would take, that was impossible to say: days, weeks or even months. I tried to make the best out of the situation, there was nothing else I could do.

My family came to visit me almost every day. We always went for a short walk first, and then went for a cup of coffee in the coffee shop. During the course of the first week, they still had to run tests in order to register me as a patient with Eurotransplant HU (highly urgent). On 18 November I came back from my walk in the late afternoon, and my treating physician came into the room and told me with a smile: "As of today, you are registered with Eurotransplant HU." He showed it to me in black on white. I was so happy that I think I even cried a few tears. From this point on it was a waiting game, waiting for a phone call and good luck.

One night in February 2016, the night nurse stood suddenly before my bed: there was an offer for a donor organ. I couldn’t believe it. This moment was anxiety-ridden for me because I knew that this would be hard, but I also knew I would be OK. When I arrived in the Surgical Dept., I was received very warmly. I knew most of the Nursing personnel well, and they were happy that it was finally my turn. The doctor told me that the team was on their way to remove the organ. The operation began at around 6 o’clock. Already one day after surgery I was weaned from the mechanical ventilation and was able to breathe independently. After two days in the ICU I was transferred to the Monitoring station. Here I took the first steps with my new heart. In the course of the week I was transferred to the regular ward.

The further course of my hospital stay was fairly free of complications and went quickly, such that we soon spoke of rehabilitation. After exactly four weeks I was able to leave the hospital and was even home for a couple of days before entering rehab. After my first operation, I had promised the personnel at the rehab clinic in Bad Schönborn that I would return after my transplantation. So it was, and rehab went very well. I could feel that my new heart was doing a great job. After my official exercises, I would go outside for a walk or sit on the ergometer. I always wanted to be doing something. The three weeks flew by.

Once I was back home I was able to relax a bit. The first year after transplantation I had to return for follow-up biopsies every four weeks. I continued exercising to achieve physical fitness. My walks became longer and faster. Jogging was not a possibility due to joint pain. Then I started riding a bike. During my third bike ride on a Saturday afternoon, I was hit on a rural road by a car, took a bad fall, and broke my left hip and my left elbow. Both required surgery. Once again, I couldn't walk well for weeks. After about six months I slowly started jogging again. Next I wanted to ride a bike again.

In April 2016 I began my professional reintegration. I was able to resume my previous job. Since June I have been working again full time, and it is no problem whatsoever. Here too, I see only advantages that are good for my psyche. Almost two years after my operation I have felt ready to go on winter vacation again. I am very satisfied with how things have progressed and, most of all, I feel strong. But I also have to work for this. I regularly engage in the type of sports that I feel are good for me. In winter I go jogging up to four times per week. In summer I spend most of my free time biking – which is primarily an endurance sport – just like a normal, healthy person.

I also think very often of my donor, I look up to the sky and can only say “Thank you”. Especially for those moments that I wouldn't have been able to experience, had it not been for his/her organ donation. Everyone should reassess their personal decision for or against organ donations, and also clearly communicate their wishes. Organ donations save lives. My life was saved by an organ donation. And NO, another man DID NOT have to die for me!

Written by Mathias K.
_{The access to some or all shown products may be restricted by country-specific regulatory approvals. The use of EXCOR^® VAD for adults, RVAD-support, Excor mobil and EXCOR^® Active is not FDA-approved.}

[Translate to Englisch:]

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Lorena from Maceió, Brasilien

EXCOR® Pediatric

Only six days after her birth in Maceió, the capital of the Brazilian state of Alagoas, Lorena’s medical history takes its course. After breastfeeding her little daughter, 31-year-old Larissa Monique Farias da Silva, notices that Lorena only breathes very weakly. She immediately takes her to the nearest emergency hospital.

On the x-rays, Lorena's heart is significantly enlarged and she is sent to the intensive care unit of Maceió medical center. But even after one month, the doctors cannot help Lorena and recommend a transfer to the Heart Institute of the University of São Paulo (Instituto do Coração da Universidade de São Paulo), one of the reference centers for heart treatment in Brazil.

Lorena's condition remains critical when the family sets out on the 2.500 km journey to São Paulo in early November 2017. Once there, Lorena runs through comprehensive examination. The diagnosis: dilated cardiomyopathy. The total capacity of her heart remains only at 11 percent (ejection fraction: 11 %) and the performance of her right as well as her left ventricles is severely limited. A heart transplantation seems to be unavoidable.

In order to stabilize Lorena until transplantation, the doctors try to support the native function of her heart with medication first. Unfortunately without success, Lorena suffers a heart attack and must be revived.

Her only chance: the implantation of the EXCOR^® Pediatric ventricular assist device. Five patients - three children and two adults - have already been treated with the EXCOR^®system from Berlin Heart at the Instituto do Coração.

Nevertheless, Lorena is the first pediatric patient in Brazil to have a biventricular support due to the severe dysfunction of both heart ventricles. That means one EXCOR^® pump supports each ventricle. Furthermore, her low weight of only 5.5 kg at the time of implantation, worries the doctors.

But everything goes well. Shortly after the operation, Lorena's condition improves visibly, all vital organs such as liver and kidney are properly supplied with blood again, she eats normally, interacts with her parents and smiles. A glimmer of hope for Lorenas parents. “After a short period of time Lorena had gotten used to her two little hearts and she was getting better every day," says Lorena's father Renato Luciano Torres.

During her time in hospital, not only Lorena’s parents but also the entire medical and nursing team stand by her side. In February Lorena celebrated her first birthday with her family and the whole team.

Only two months later, in April 2018, Lorena's parents receive the long-awaited message - a donor heart is available. The ensuing transplantation is successful and only a few weeks later Lorena can finally return home.

We keep our fingers crossed for Lorena and her family and wish them all the best for the future.

[Translate to Englisch:]

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Elena from Germany

EXCOR® Pediatric

"We are so blessed that Elena's heart recovered." – David Y., Elena's father

Little Elena lived with the ventricular assist device EXCOR^® Pediatric for almost two and a half months. During this time, something happened which seemed so unlikely at first: her heart recovered so well that the doctors at the DHZB (German Heart Institute Berlin) were able to explant the system.

Background:

When Elena was five months old, she suddenly began to suffer from severe breathlessness. The infant had to be resuscitated while still in the helicopter on the way to Dresden University Hospital. It quickly became clear that Elena's heart was very poorly. At the German Heart Institute Berlin, Elena's parents finally received the diagnosis: dilated cardiomyopathy. Elena's left cardiac muscle had expanded so much that it could no longer pump enough blood through her body.

The little girl's condition was critical – her cardiologist estimated that there was a 95 percent chance that she would need a heart transplantation. In order for Elena to survive until a potential transplantation, the doctors implanted the EXCOR^® Pediatric.

Elena's father, David, was working for the company National Instruments at the time – a long-term partner of Berlin Heart. It supplies hardware and software for the EXCOR® drive manufacturing plants. Therefore, National Instruments contributes to the functioning of the only pediatric ventricular assist device in the world – a system which even saved the life of David's own daughter. "Since I found out what our work at National Instruments achieves, I regard it much more highly than I did before," says Elena's father, "You can count on EXCOR^® – it is a reliable, well-tested system."

Since Elena's recovery, everything has changed: the family is back at home and Elena now goes to nursery. Her father, David, is grateful for this development: "When your child's condition deteriorates so quickly and there is so little hope, it is like having a brick wall in front of you. Elena's illness was a bolt from the blue and had no clear cause. The EXCOR^® System was our last hope. We are so blessed that Elena's heart recovered."

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Juniper from the USA

EXCOR® Pediatric

Two weeks after Juniper’s birth, her parents took her to the doctor for her first check-up. Assuming they had a healthy baby, Juniper’s parents were shocked when the doctors discovered that her heart was twice the size it should be.

Juniper was diagnosed with dilated cardiomyopathy, a disease in which the heart becomes severely enlarged. Thus, the heart does not adequately contract and therefore cannot pump enough blood to her body. In Juniper’s case the left ventricle performs only one sixth as efficiently as compared to a normal child’s heart. As her heart could not support her sufficiently, Juniper needed a new heart. Juniper was listed for a heart transplant when she was only three weeks old.

Juniper was initially able to be treated with medication and was able to go home with her family but after only about two weeks, her condition deteriorated fast. The physicians at the Children’s Hospital in Denver, Colorado decided to implant Juniper the EXCOR^® Pediatric ventricular assist device (VAD) made by Berlin Heart especially for children. The surgery took place on April 10th 2014, when Juniper was just seven weeks old. So far she is the youngest baby at Children’s Hospital Colorado to receive a Berlin Heart.

Juniper’s mother, Joni, remembers being concerned when she first heard about the Berlin Heart device as she was unsure of whether Juniper could act like a normal baby while supported by the system. Her parents soon realized that she can. Despite a complicated early course, Juniper was thriving and developing like every other child of her age while waiting for her new heart.

Regarding future patients to be supported by the EXCOR^® Pediatric VAD, Juniper’s mother says: “We would love it if you shared our story so that other parents may see just how your device can not only help children reach transplant, but to have a quality of life in the meantime. We are just so grateful for your product.”

After six months of waiting, a suitable donor heart was found for Juniper and transplanted on September 17th 2014. After another eight days she was released from the clinic so that her parents could finally take her home.

A moving film from Juniper's parents to the parents of their organ donor can be found here.

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Jenny from Sweden

EXCOR® Adult

Jenny Karsberg’s story began in the summer of 2010 when she first had difficulty breathing. Her doctor assumed that she suffered from asthma and prescribed her asthma medication. However, her condition did not improve. Several weeks later the 41 year old woman began coughing so severely that she had to go to the hospital. Jenny was, however, extremely weak. For this reason the ambulance rushed her to the emergency room near the hospital. In the emergency room the doctors resuscitated her to save her life. An ultrasound of the heart clearly showed that she suffered from congestive heart failure. Additionally, an x-ray of her lungs showed an enlarged heart. Eventually she was diagnosed with idiopathic dilated cardiomyopathy. Jenny was then transferred to the Sahlgrenska University Hospital in Gothenburg, where she stayed in intensive care. In October 2010, Jenny resumed working part time as a chemical engineer and also swam and danced again.

In 2013, the Swedish woman started to feel pressure in her chest again and grew sicker over the summer. For the second time she had a pulmonary edema. As a result, Jenny underwent surgery to repair her mitral valve. Unfortunately, Jenny’s heart was very weak. The patient did not recover as expected. She then had kidney failure and was put on dialysis. After weeks of rest and a long period of physiotherapy she regained her strength; she was released to go home.

Two months later Jenny had to go back to the hospital. She was in critical condition and a thoracic surgery was necessary. Jenny received a Berlin Heart EXCOR^® on December 3rd. Since then the device has supported both of her ventricles. In early 2014 Jenny could finally return home to her husband (whom she met at a dance event 16 years ago) and two children. Her parents currently live with her and her family to support them during this time.

While Jenny was on the system she went to the hospital once a week for routine check-ups. She usually brought her laptop to watch movies and television shows. Jenny found friends on Facebook who have also had a Berlin Heart system. While she was on the waiting list for a heart transplant, Jenny said: “I'm getting stronger every day with my Berlin Heart pump and I try to stay fit and build up my body again to prepare for the big surgery.” She hoped that a matching donor heart would be found soon. What she was hoping for finally came true in late May. After almost six months on EXCOR^® System she received a donor heart in May 2014. Shortly after the transplant Jenny felt great and reported that her new heart is very strong.

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Chantal from Germany

EXCOR® Pediatric

"The mechanical heart has helped me to survive the time I had to wait for a donor heart“, says Chantal (26), who studies in Hamburg today and is doing her master's degree.

At the age of 12 she was supported by an EXCOR^® Pediatric. “This mechanical heart has played a major role in my life and I have many memories of that time. I am very grateful that this technology exists and that the therapy was so successful".

Already as a child, Chantal was very athletic, and played a lot of tennis and hockey. But at the age of 11, she suddenly was becoming no air just climbing the stairs. The cardiologist sent her straight to the hospital in Bremen. Her left ventricle was found to be inflamed and she was put into an artificial coma. The situation was very dramatic, and the doctors did not believe that she would survive the next night, and told this also her parents. Chantal survived, but she did not feel well. "I often suffered a lot of pain so that I had to spend days in bed motionless and almost completely devoid of energy" she recalls. After six months of treatment in Bremen, she became progressively worse and was transferred to the German Heart Center in Berlin (DHZB). “On the very first evening I suffered ventricular fibrillation after which a mechanical heart was implanted in an emergency surgery" says Chantal.

"Apart from the regular visits of a technician, who checked the mechanical heart, at first all I noticed was the clicking sound of the device. After transfer to the normal ward, I began to get more mobile. After three and a half months of waiting, I finally received a heart transplant. As I slowly regained my consciousness, it was strange for me to live without my mechanical heart. I almost felt empty without my device and that steady clicking. At night, no alarm woke me because I accidentally bent the hose while sleeping. I really had to get used to it.”

After her release, Chantal was educated at home for half a year because of her increased risk of infection, before she could then return to her normal school. Today she is an athletic young woman who, when she is not at university, is keeping goal of the Bundesliga team of the Bremen hockey club. In addition, she also likes to play golf and not only skies enthusiastically in winter, but also works as a ski instructor. “I've been taking part in transplant patient competitions for six years" says the 26 years old. “My greatest achievements were the World Championship title in Golf 2013 in South Africa and 2015 in Argentina, as well as the gold medal in Parallel Slalom at the Winter World Championship 2015 in France.”

Her involvement in organ donation support has also been important, for which she has already appeared in the TV shows "Markus Lanz" (ZDF), "3 to 9" (NDR) and "Good morning Germany" (RTL). “I want to show people that this can happen to anyone and that your life might suddenly depend on a donor organ, just as happened with me. An organ donor can save up to seven lives! I want to use my fate to help save the lives of as many people as possible through donor organ support."

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Elias from Germany

EXCOR® Pediatric

Elias was diagnosed with a serious heart defect already when he was in his mother's womb, and even today his mother recalls the difficult time after the diagnosis and the many examinations as if it had only been yesterday.

The expectant parents were referred to the Heart and Diabetes Center NRW in Bad Oeynhausen to undergo further treatment and intensive care. Elias was born there on December 15^th 2006. His birth was supervised by many physicians, and proceeded completely normally. For a short while, Elias lay in his mother's arms, but sadly a bluish color in his lips quickly became apparent.

The examinations then revealed the sad certainty that Elias was suffering from a hypoplastic left heart syndrome (HLHS), with his left ventricle being underdeveloped and not being able to supply the systemic circulation with sufficient blood.

Just four days after his birth he had to undergo his first major surgery. While undergoing the Norwood operation, the trunk of his pulmonary artery was severed and the excessively narrow aorta was widened with a patch. The aorta was then sutured into the trunk of the pulmonary artery so that both vessels were then connected. In addition, the lungs were supplied with blood via an artificially created connection, also known as a shunt, from the aorta via the pulmonary artery. In this way, the right ventricle could now serve both the lung and the systemic circulation with blood.

Six months later a second operation (Glenn operation) was carried out and in the summer of 2010 a third (Fontan) operation followed. Everything proceeded well and the family finally began to raise their hopes. Elias attended the kindergarten like any other child and was otherwise a bright and active little boy as well as a passionate fan of FC Bayern Munich. Only his surgical scars and daily medication reminded him of his serious illness at this time.

But in early 2013, his health deteriorated dramatically. After a flu infection, his already weakened heart lacked the strength to provide his body with enough blood and oxygen. Elias was then re-examined at the Heart and Diabetes Center NRW in Bad Oeynhausen. The diagnosis. Heart failure. His only escape was to receive a donor heart. In the hospital, the doctors tried to stabilize his condition with medication. But after a short time, this therapy was no longer enough. The only way to bridge time while waiting for a donor heart and save his life was to implant a ventricular assist device.

In April 2013, an EXCOR^® Pediatric was implanted during an 8-hour operation. His weakened heart meant that this was not in any way a routine operation. Despite this, everything went well. After surgery, Elias slowly recovered and was relocated from intensive care to a normal ward only a few weeks later. But he was always accompanied by his IKUS driving unit. At that time, according to his mother, he had already arranged for the Berlin Heart to be his.

But for Elias and his family it still remained a case of fearing, waiting and hoping. A truly monstrous burden for everyone involved. Elias could not leave the hospital. His father took indefinite leave from work so that he could always be with Elias. His mother took part-time work and looked after Elias' little brother at home. The family received support from all sides. Even from Ronald McDonald nearby to the hospital. They were even given use of a complimentary apartment. This allowed his father to always be by his side.

"Don't take the hearts to heaven, they are needed here on earth" were the words that often went through his mother's head at the time. The organ donation situation in Germany was alarming, with children in particular often having to wait months for a suitable organ.

But despite this, Elias and his family remained brave and after more than 3 months they were rewarded with the happy message that a heart had been found.

The transplant was successful and after only a few weeks he was finally allowed to return home with his family.

A year later he was re-enrolled into school and returned to playing soccer again. Like every other boy of his age, he kept his parents busy.

But at the start of 2016, the next shock was in the pipeline. Elias was diagnosed with cancer as a result of the transplantation and the permanent immunosuppression. This immunosuppression was designed to suppress his own immune system to avoid a rejection reaction to his donor organ. However, this can also lead to degenerate cells not being recognized, and as such, an increasing risk of cancer.

Once again he had to go to hospital to undergo a chemotherapy. Once again, Elias bravely fought it, and won. He happily celebrated his 10^th birthday in December at home in the company of his family.

Today, Elias is a bright teenager with a true fighter's heart. He and his family have overcome all the hurdles and setbacks with a great deal of courage, bravery and a never-fading smile. We would like to pay the utmost respect to them and wish them all the best for the future.

Elias today

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Matthias from Germany

Tatjana from Saarland, Germany

Mathias from Baden-Württemberg, Germany

Lorena from Maceió, Brasilien

Elena from Germany

Juniper from the USA

Jenny from Sweden

Chantal from Germany

Elias from Germany

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