A Pediatric Heart Pump Used at Nationwide Children’s Hospital for the First Time Sustained 15-Month-Old Avrie Nelms Until a Donor Heart Became Available

THE COLUMBUS DISPATCH -- The smiles Avrie Nelms’ mom and dad wear say more than any doctor could hope to. For the heart experts at Nationwide Children’s Hospital, it’s big news that they used a pediatric heart pump for the first time. The German-made pump, called the Berlin Heart, is their current best hope for keeping children alive for the months that can elapse while their patients wait for transplants.