How a Florida Teen Survived 118 Days Without a Heart

Supported by an artificial blood-pumping device, D’Zhana’s experience marks a significant achievement in medical science. Following the failure of her initial heart transplant, she relied on this device until a suitable donor heart became available for a second transplant.

“It was like I was a fake person, like I didn’t really exist. I was just here,” she expressed during a press conference at Holtz Children’s Hospital in Miami.

After the initial transplant failed, the medical team at Holtz Children’s Hospital, led by Dr. Marco Ricci, took an innovative approach by removing her malfunctioning heart and employing a ventricular assist device as a stopgap measure until a second heart transplant could be performed, The New York Post reveals.

They crafted substitute heart chambers from fabric, connecting them to pumps to circulate blood, a method never before used in pediatric care, as reported by NBC News.

The New York Post explains that by adapting a ventricular assist device for long-term use, he and his team ventured into new medical territory. “She essentially lived for 118 days without a heart, with her circulation supported only by two blood pumps,” Dr. Ricci noted.

Dr. Ricci said, “This, we believe, is the first pediatric patient who has received such a device in this configuration without the heart, and possibly one of the youngest that has…been bridged to transplantation without her native heart.”

“In the past, this situation could have been lethal,” he noted.

“For (more than) 100 days, there was no heart in this girl’s body? That is pretty amazing,” Wearden said.

Despite these challenges, D’Zhana’s resilience and the support of her medical team enabled her to continue fighting for her life.

This milestone was a moment of triumph for D’Zhana and her medical team, with her mother, Twolla Anderson, acknowledging it as a “miracle.”

“I’m glad I can walk without the machine,” she shared, visibly moved by her experience.

Additionally, there is a 50% chance she may require another heart transplant in the future, illustrating the long-term challenges of living with a transplanted organ.

This backpack was no ordinary item; it contained the life-saving technology that kept Larkin alive while he awaited a heart transplant. To the outside world, Larkin appeared to be a typical young adult, enjoying time with his three toddlers and his younger brother, Dominique. However, the reality was far from ordinary, as the backpack he carried was his lifeline, literally pumping life through his body.

This technological marvel enabled Larkin to lead a relatively normal life despite his critical condition. In May 2016, Larkin received the long-awaited heart transplant at the University of Michigan Frankel Cardiovascular Center and is now recovering. “I’m going home so fast after the transplant because it helped me stay healthy before the transplant,” Larkin shared.

“Most people would be scared to go so long with [an artificial heart], but you have to go through the fear, because it helps you,” Larkin said. 

For patients with end-stage heart failure, the wait can be excruciatingly long, sometimes lasting months or even years. Dr. Billy Cohn, a cardiovascular surgeon, emphasized the dire situation, stating, “Many of these patients would die without some form of support,” such as an artificial heart, highlighting the critical role of medical technology in bridging the gap until a donor heart is available.

This condition marked a significant turning point in his life, leading him to rely on an artificial heart. “A machine was going to be my heart,” Larkin said, reflecting on the surreal reality of his situation. 

The SynCardia temporary artificial heart replaced Stan’s failing heart, complete with chambers and valves, and was connected to a portable machine known as the Freedom Driver through tubes. This device allowed Larkin to maintain an active lifestyle. “It’s just like a real heart,” Larkin remarked.

The care and maintenance of this equipment were critical to prevent infections, a task that involved Larkin’s family, particularly his mother, Voncile McCrae. |We had to be careful so that he wouldn’t get an infection,” she said.

This shared experience brought the brothers closer, showcasing the strength of their bond. “I have an amazing brother,” Dominique stated, expressing gratitude for Stan’s unwavering support throughout their medical ordeals.

Dr. Laman Gray, a pioneer in the field, commented on the progress, saying, “We’re making great progress, and people are living normal lives. There’s definitely a place for total artificial hearts and a need for them.”

His ability to play basketball, spend quality time with his children, and enjoy life’s simple pleasures with a machine acting as his heart illustrates the remarkable capabilities of modern medical technology.

“He has been here with me since the beginning and has never let me down,” Dominique said about his brother, illustrating the deep bond and mutual support that have been pivotal in their journey.

Their experiences with artificial heart technology offer hope and inspiration to thousands of patients awaiting heart transplants, showcasing the potential for leading a life unrestricted by the limitations of their condition.