For the first time in NSW, teams at our hospital have performed heart surgery on a baby to implant an artificial heart. Known as a Berlin Heart, or a Ventricular Assist Device (VAD), the mechanical device sits outside the body and performs the function of the heart. It is used in patients with advanced heart failure and acts as a bridge until a patient is strong enough for heart transplant, or until a donor heart becomes available. The milestone surgery was led by Dr Johann Brink, Cardiothoracic