New device being used on heart patients

INDIANAPOLIS (WISH) - Heart failure is a very serious diagnosis. Many times patients have to resort to a heart transplant to survive.

But, doctors at St. Vincent Hospital are trying a new elastic net for some of their heart failure patients.

Bert Benner of Muncie suffered a heart attack three years ago. His arteries were blocked, nearly 100%. Stents helped, but he just wasn't improving.

"I was in stage four for heart failure which is the last stage," said Benner.

Benner's heart had enlarged. So, after some research he decided he would be a candidate for the HeartNet Ventricular Support System.

His doctor made a 2" to 3" incision in his chest, and then used an elongated tube to place an elastic net around the lower part of his heart. That net gently squeezed his heart reducing its work load.

"By placing a constant external force on the heart, the thought is, it can encourage reshaping the heart. When people's heart gets sick, it gets rounder into a more elongated fashion and it may, although the evidence isn't as strong, actually help with the way the heart beats and supporting it during contraction," said Dr. Chris Salerno of St. Vincent Hospital.

Benner had a pretty good outcome. Although he's not skipping out of the doctor's office, his heart failure level has improved from stage 4 to stage 2. The bottom line; is he feeling better?

"A lot better, I'm walking 4-5 miles a day now which I couldn't do after the heart attack. And I couldn't do it before this surgery," said Benner.

According to the American Heart Association 5.7 million Americans are living with heart failure. Close to 130 patients have had the HeartNet implanted. Dr. Salerno said it's a good option for some patients.

"If they are a candidate, it's a relatively low risk procedure minimally invasive and with uh a very acceptable risk," said Dr. Salerno.

St. Vincent Hospital is one of 40 sites across the U.S. and Canada to participate in this trial.