An "artificial heart" device implant was successfully installed in a patient surnamed Deng who was suffering with end-stage heart failure at the Fifth Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University on May 4, marking the first time that such an implant surgery has been performed in Zhuhai and on the west bank of the Pearl River Estuary.

This Chinese-made device is currently the only safe and effective one of its kind approved by the National Medical Products Administration for clinical application. It uses unique magnetic levitation and hydromechanic techniques, and is attached to Deng's left ventricle. 

Its core component is a metal blood pump to increase or even replace the pumping power of the patient's failing heart, allowing it to deliver oxygen-rich blood throughout the body.

Professor Li Gang, director of the hospital's cardiovascular disease center, noted that Deng's situation was complicated as he had suffered from heart disease for years and endured obvious sudden chest distress and shortness of breath after catching a cold three months ago. 

"Only a heart transplantation or an 'artificial heart' device implant was practicable for Deng's case," said Li. "However, a heart transplantation requires a long waiting time to find a suitable donor, which may pose risks of sudden death to the patient."

Detailed discussions and preparations were arranged prior to the surgery, while a special team was set up to simulate every key process in the surgery and formulate contingency plans. 

Deng is now in a stable condition after the surgery [Photo by Cheng Lin / Zhuhai Daily]

After the seven-hour surgery, the artificial heart operated normally and Deng's vital signs were stable. He was taken off the ventilator 17 hours after the surgery and was transferred to a general ward on May 7 for further rehabilitation. 

Zhuhai Deputy Mayor Zhang Chen noted that the success of this surgery marks a significant milestone in Zhuhai's diagnostic and treatment ability of mysterious illnesses, adding that patients with such diseases in nearby areas can access better medical services in the city.