New Scientist Technology - Heart patient has first turbocharger fitted

New Scientist Technology - Heart patient has first turbocharger fitted: "THE first patient to be fitted with a device designed to 'turbocharge' an ailing heart, without greatly increasing the risk of blood clots and other life-threatening complications, is recovering in a New Zealand hospital following surgery earlier this month.

...The C-Pulse comprises an inflatable polyurethane balloon pressed against the aorta, the main artery from the heart. The balloon is kept in place by a polyester wrap stitched around the vessel, and together they form a cuff that follows the contours of the aorta. 'It's engineered to fit your body, not to look like it came out of your washing machine,' says William Peters, one of the two inventors, who is based at the Auckland City Hospital, New Zealand, and the company Sunshine Heart of Sydney, Australia."