Only two weeks after having received a heart transplant, 9-year-old Alexzander Woods was discharged from the hospital.

Alex had been suffering from dilated cardiomyopathy and had already been listed for a heart transplantation. In order to bridge the time until a donor heart would become available, Dr. Mark Bleiweis implanted an EXCOR^® Pediatric BVAD with 30cc pump volume, 9mm apical inflow cannula, 9mm atrial outflow cannula for the left ventricle and 25cc pump volume and 9mm cannulation for the right ventricle.

Alex was supported for close to five months until a donor heart became available. During the support time Alex’ health continued to improve, which was an important part of the reason for his quick post-transplant recovery and the early discharge from the hospital.

Alex will receive home schooling for the remainder of this school year, and will return to school in August. More than anything, Alex is looking forward to seeing his dog “Blue” and being able to ride his bike and skateboard. 

Alex was the first patient at the Shands at the University of Florida and the 68th EXCOR^®  Pediatric patient in the US.