New equipment making a difference

Occasionally babies are born with atrial flutter, a type of abnormal heart rhythm. Previously, the treatment for this was an electrical shock which is painful and requires a general anaesthetic. With the support of a generous donor, we purchased a High Output Stimulator in December 2012, which allows us to fix the heart rhythm without the shock or general anaesthetic.  It also allows us to manage rhythm after heart surgery, making a big difference when the usual pacemaker is unable to deliver the required energy.  Thank you to the company that kindly donated $3,500 for this machine.  It is already making a big difference to babies and children at the Heart Centre whose hearts need a little help to pick up a normal beat.