Baby whose parents feared had just days to live is 'thriving' after life-saving heart operation

Macs Green, a previously completely healthy baby, suffered two cardiac arrests and was diagnosed with dilated cardiomyopathy, a condition that can lead to heart failure. After a difficult search for suitable hospital beds, he recently received a Berlin Heart device, an external pump that takes over the function of his heart. Despite needing a transplant, doctors have informed Macs' parents, Catrin and Dylan, that they are unsure about the wait time for the new organ.

Since the life-saving surgery at Newcastle's Freeman Hospital, Macs has shown remarkable improvement. Dylan, 35, a town planner, described Macs as "completely different" from his pre-surgery condition. He was previously in a specialist unit at Bristol Royal Children's Hospital, with an extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) machine aiding his oxygenated blood circulation.

Macs' parents are now ecstatic about his rapid recovery, expressing relief that he no longer requires sedating drugs and is now smiling and responding to them.

Catrin, a solicitor from Cardiff, emphasized how the operation brought their baby back and remarked on his thriving state. The family, who have two other children, Caio, five, and Gruff, are now awaiting a real heart transplant for Macs. They anticipate a wait of 18 months to two years, with the possibility of longer. Despite the risks associated with the Berlin Heart, Dylan and Catrin are hopeful that Macs can remain stable in the meantime.

The couple, who have expressed gratitude to the hospital staff and others who have supported them, urge other parents to consider organ donation should they lose a child.