The Heart Failure Team of Samsung Hospital, one of the leading cardiovascular institutes in Korea, announced the successful implantation of Abbott’s HeartMate 3™, a best new 3rd generation left ventricular assist device (LVAD).
The device has been widely used overseas since 2014, with Japan and Singapore being the current users among Asian countries. However, various issues, including the spread of COVID-19, have hindered the device’s introduction in Korea. Despite the situation, Samsung Hospital conducted the country’s first surgery in September 2020.
Until the end of 2020, the team performed implant surgery with this device on 4 patients.
The latest device features advanced technologies for artificial hearts, including reducing thrombus formation through the application of magnetic levitation and artificial pulse generation.
Team leader, Professor Choi Jin Oh – Department of Cardiology, explained that it showed a two-year survival rate of 79%, showing similar results to heart transplants and effectiveness in patients who require it. implanted devices for long periods of time.
The team holds nearly every record related to artificial hearts in Korea. After the current 70 cases, the cumulative number of surgeries will reach 100 next year, marking another important milestone.
Source:SMC News – About SMC – Samsung Medical Center (samsunghospital.com)
