Patients were given the opportunity for a new life at Shaare Zedek Medical Center this week. The Heart Institute at Shaare Zedek Medical Center in Jerusalem successfully performed 20 artificial LVAD heart transplants, saving 20 precious lives this week. This is an extremely high success rate without surgical morality.
LVAD (Left Ventricular Assist Device) is a left ventricular support device, also referred to as an “artificial heart,” that replaces the operation of the failed left ventricle, neutralizing the immediate danger to the patient’s life.
“The 20th case was one of the most complex cases with a patient at the age of 70,” said Prof. Tal Hasin, Head, Heart Failure Unit at the hospital. “The patient suffered from severe chronic heart disease after several catheterizations and bypass surgery several years ago. There was a gradual deterioration in heart function to a state of severe heart failure, with difficulty performing routine physical exertion,” he added. After prolonged follow-up in the clinic, the patient decided that he was interested in undergoing an LVAD transplant, and was found suitable.
Dr. Udi Jacobzon, Director, Mechanical Circulatory Support Unit said, “with all the challenges that the surgery was, to our delight it passed successfully. In each of the cases we performed at the ages of 18-79, the patients were given the opportunity for a new life.”
For many patients suffering from heart failure, LVAD transplants are becoming more common, due to the vast experience gained, and phenomenal success rates. Shaare Zedek Medical Center is happy to provide this life-saving solution to patients.
