GREENVILLE, S.C. -- Greenville Memorial has become the first hospital in South Carolina to implant the world’s smallest heart pump.

Hospital officials said the Impella Pump, which is only as thick as a straw, was recently implanted in the heart of Jerry White, of Greer.

Doctors said the pump pushes 2.5 liters of blood per minute, which takes strain off the heart and increases the amount of blood that the heart puts out.

Doctors said White’s arteries were almost completely closed before the pump, which did not allow the blood to flow correctly. White said he has seen an improved quality of life.

“I hope I can get a few more months or maybe a year or maybe longer,” said White. “I have beaten the odds so many times to be with my family and grandchildren. There are no words to express how I feel about the doctors.”

Doctors with Carolina Cardiology Consultants said they will now perform at least one of these surgeries a month.