Heart attack footballer saved by implanted device

by Shaun Holden. Published Thu 11 Jun 2009 12:09, Last updated: 2009-06-11
Anthony Van Loo was brought back to life by defibrillator
Anthony Van Loo was brought back to life by defibrillator

A Belgian international footballer suffered a heart attack on the pitch before an implanted defibrillator kicked in and saved his life.

Anthony Van Loo, 20, was playing for Roeselare against Manchester United feeder club Antwerp for a place in the Belgian Premier League when it happened.

The U-21 star, who has been linked with a move to England, collapsed after clearing a ball and began having seizures.

Van Loo was motionless for several seconds before shocks were sent through his body from the device in his heart.

The promising footballer had a defibrillator implanted into his heart last year after doctors detected that he had heart problems.

Roeselare team doctor Tom Colpaert said "The devise in his heart has saved his life.

"Everything is now under control thanks to it."

His club manager Damir Mirvic said: "We just saw the whites of his eyes. Everyone knew immediately that it was a serious one.

"But thankfully technology brought him back."

Van Loo’s defibrillator detected the problem immediately and restored his normal heart rhythm through an electric shock and he was back on his feet in seconds.

Former Scotland midfielder Phil O’Donnell and ex-Manchester City player Marc Vivien Foe both died on the pitch after suffering heart failure.

Van Loo is the first player to have his life saved by the device whilst playing.





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