Muamba's heart fitted with electrical device to save him from another cardiac arrest

London, Apr 13(ANI): Bolton Wanderers' midfielder Fabrice Muamba's heart has been fitted with an Implantable Cardioverter Defibri (ICD) to protect his life in the event of another cardiac arrest.

The ICD releases an electric charge if it detects a heart malfunction, and the device will not impair his ability to play football again, as several European players are known to wear ICDs on the pitch.

Muamba had suffered a cardiac arrest during Bolton's FA Cup clash against Tottenham Hotspurs, and his heart had stopped beating for 78 minutes but since then he but had recovered astonishingly in the hospital.

In June 2009, Belgium Under-21 international Anthony Van Loo suffered a heart attack on the field before the device kicked in and saved his life, The Sun reports.

An ex-South Africa international Khalilou Fadiga became the first professional footballer to wear an ICD after he collapsed before a game in October 2004, and in an amazing coincidence, he was also due to play for Bolton against Tottenham, the same fixture in which Muamba fell ill nearly a month ago.

Fadiga said Muamba would need to be psychologically and physically right to return to football.

"It will be very tough, but hopefully he will show everyone what he can do", the paper quoted him, as saying.

Muamba is expected to take another step on Friday in his remarkable recovery by leaving the hospital where he has been treated since he collapsed.

He will be moved 200 miles from the London Chest Hospital for ongoing treatment at the Alexandra Hospital in Cheadle, Greater Manchester, and much closer to his family home. (ANI)