Cardiff baby gets life-saving heart op – but needs a transplant

A baby boy once feared to have only a few days left to live is now doing remarkably well following crucial heart surgery. Macs Green, who had been a healthy infant, experienced two cardiac arrests and was subsequently diagnosed with dilated cardiomyopathy, a serious condition that can cause heart failure. After a challenging search for an appropriate hospital bed, Macs underwent the fitting of a Berlin Heart, a mechanical device that supports his failing heart by taking over its pumping function.

Despite the life-saving operation, Macs still requires a heart transplant. His parents, Catrin and Dylan, have been informed by doctors that the wait for a transplant is uncertain and could last months or even longer. Prior to receiving the Berlin Heart at Newcastle’s Freeman Hospital, Macs had been treated at Bristol Royal Children’s Hospital, where he was supported by an extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) machine to maintain oxygenated blood circulation.

Dylan, a town planner, shared with Newyddion S4C how dire the situation had been, with discussions around end-of-life care. He expressed relief and joy that the Berlin Heart allowed Macs to be taken off sedative medications, resulting in a noticeable change: “He’s smiling, he’s responding to us. Before now, he’s just been a small baby lying on a bed.” His wife, solicitor Catrin, described the post-operation period as “like having our baby back,” highlighting how Macs is now “absolutely thriving.” The family, based in Cardiff and also parents to two other children, saw the Berlin Heart placed on 7 August following several surgeries and his transfer from Bristol to Newcastle.

The Berlin Heart is an external, air-driven pump known as a ventricular assist device, which takes over the heart’s role of circulating blood. According to NHS Blood and Transplant, 17 children across the UK have received this device in the current year. While grateful for this intervention, Catrin explained that they are now waiting for a suitable donor heart. She noted the unpredictability of the timeline, explaining the wait could be as long as 18 months or more, though a donor heart might become available much sooner. The family remains hopeful that Macs will stay stable while awaiting transplantation, despite the risks involved with relying on the Berlin Heart.

Throughout their ordeal, the Greens have extended their thanks to hospital staff and supporters who have helped them. They also encourage other parents to consider organ donation in the event of losing a child, underscoring the life-saving impact it can have. Dylan summed up their feelings simply: “We are extremely grateful.”

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