Texas Children’s Hospital Achieves Pediatric Cardiology “First,” Discharges Teen with Mechanical Heart Assist Device

Getting a kick out of his newfound freedom is Texas Children's Hospital heart patient, 16-year-old Francisco "Frank" De Santiago, the first patient to be medically discharged from a pediatric hospital with an intracorporeal ventricular assist device (VAD). De Santiago's battery-powered, chest-implanted mechanical heart pump, HeartMate II, has enabled him to enjoy life away from the hospital while he awaits a heart transplant, a feat previously accomplished only at adult institutions. (Photo: Business Wire)

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(Left to Right) Texas Children's Hospital cardiovascular surgeon, Dr. David L.S. Morales, shares a laugh with his patient, 16-year old Francisco "Frank" De Santiago, a heart transplant candidate enjoying newfound freedom as the first child to be medically discharged from a pediatric hospital with a chest-implanted ventricular assist device (VAD), a feat previously accomplished only at adult institutions. De Santiago's discharge signals the possibility of greater freedom and normalcy in the future for pediatric heart failure patients awaiting transplants. (Photo: Business Wire)