Tiny pump in man’s heart provides second chance

MEMPHIS – A rare device outfitted for a man suffering from a weak heart helped save his life, according to doctors at a Tennessee hospital.

Ben Greene, whose blood stopped pumping properly in January, had a device known as an Abiomed Impella surgically inserted into his heart. At the time, doctors told Greene’s wife that they were not sure they could save him.

For five days the tiny pump took over his heart’s pumping duties and allowed it time to heal. Today, Greene is back hitting golf balls with his wife.

“I feel like I am a walking miracle,” Greene said. “The Lord has really blessed me.”

Dr. Matthew Smolin, an interventional cardiologist, described the device that saved Greene’s life as “a catheter, four millimeters in diameter, that lies across the aortic valve – part of it is in the heart itself.”

Doctors like Smolin say the Abiomed Impella – manufactured by Massachusetts-based Abiomed, Inc. – works best for two types of patients: Those who are desperately ill with heart problems and those whose hearts are two weak for traditional interventional therapies.

Greene is simply happy to be playing golf again and says he owes it all to his faith, his doctors, and a tiny pump.

“I feel that the Lord has allowed me to re-invent myself,” said Green.