The 63-year-old had severe coronary artery disease, mitral valve regurgitation and extensive heart damage after a major heart attack. With his heart no longer pumping effectively, doctors implanted the CorHeart 6, a compact device that supports the left ventricle while he waits for a heart transplant. A cable links the implanted pump to an external controller.
Major Dr Pham Van Chinh - Cardiovascular Intensive Care Department, Military Central Hospital 108, said: "One part is attached to the tip of the heart and works like a pump, drawing blood from the left ventricle. The blood is then pumped into the aorta, allowing it to circulate to the rest of the body."
Two weeks after surgery, the patient was able to walk again, with improved kidney and liver function and no more breathlessness. He is now undergoing rehabilitation and learning to manage the device before discharge.
The patient said, "I feel as if I've been given my life back. I put all my trust in the doctors, and when I woke up, I felt incredibly fortunate."
Lieutenant General Professor Dr. Le Huu Song - Director, Military Central Hospital 108, said: "With this initial success, the preparations we have made and the large number of patients who need this treatment, we believe the technique can become routine here, giving more patients the chance to return to normal life."
The successful implant offers another treatment option for patients with advanced heart failure, particularly those facing an uncertain wait for a donor heart.
