Doctors in Volyn, in collaboration with Chinese specialists, have successfully implanted a long-term mechanical left ventricular assist device (LVAD) that operates like a pump.
The patient, 31-year-old Sergey, has been on the heart transplant waiting list for over a year, but his condition has deteriorated significantly in the last month.
"At first, I thought I had a fever, then I felt exhausted, and eventually I couldn't even get out of bed. This all happened while I was abroad. The doctors there advised me to return home as they couldn't do much.
It turned out that I needed a heart replacement, but first, I needed to survive. I kept getting treatment, and at times they would let me go home," Sergey shared.
Sergey was in a critical state due to dilated cardiomyopathy, which complicates the possibility of primary heart transplantation. To save his life, a left ventricular support system was necessary.
Thus, doctors opted to install the LVAD Corheart6 as a temporary yet effective solution. This device does not replace the heart entirely but takes over its function and supports circulation in patients with severe heart failure.
"The LVAD weighs 90 grams. It is suitable for both adults and children. It is implanted in patients waiting for a heart transplant," explains transplant surgeon Volodymyr Tansky.
The operation lasted nearly 6 hours, with three specialists from China assisting the doctors from Kovel.
According to cardiologist Olha Tanska, the device is implanted through the apex of the left ventricle.
"It draws blood and returns it to the aorta. A cable is routed through the abdominal wall and connects to a battery. Inside the patient's bag, which they carry on their shoulder, are batteries and a controller. With this device, the patient can live for a long time, allowing them to wait for the transplant," the doctor added.
Currently, about 700 people are on the heart transplant waiting list, adds Volodymyr Tansky. This number is constantly changing.
"Without long-term mechanical support, we lose patients directly on the waiting list. If the Ministry of Health implements a program, it will allow us to increase the number of heart transplants in the next 2-3 years," emphasized the transplant surgeon.
