|
| Physicians insert artificial heart a first for UAE |
|
|
|
In a first for the UAE, the Cardiac Sciences Institute at Sheikh Khalifa Medical City (SKMC) in Abu Dhabi successfully performed an implantation of a Biventricular Assist Device (BIVAD)-Berlin Heart Excor to save the life of a 17-year-old Indian girl suffering from acute heart failure due to a virus infection. SKMC is managed by world renowned US-based Cleveland Clinic.
The girl, acquired a severe gastrointestinal infection during a stay in India in May 2009. When she returned to Abu Dhabi, where she lives with her parents, her condition deteriorated. She was admitted to SKMC 6 June.
Physicians found enlargement of liver and spleen (Hepato-splenomegaly) because of an infection. The patient suddenly developed severe shortness of breath along with decrease of blood pressure. She was immediately intubated, ventilated and sent to the Intensive Care Unit (ICU). To maintain her blood pressure a significant dose of inotropic intravenous medication was necessary. The reason for her cardiopulmonary decompensation was a severely reduced function of her heart (acute heart failure) most likely due to a virus infection. The echocardiography examination revealed an ejection fraction of only 10%. Normal value is more than 65%.
In addition to specific drugs to improve the heart function, an intraaortic balloon pump was inserted via femoral artery to prevent cardiogenic shock. However, the heart function did not show any signs of recovery.
After three weeks, her condition severely deteriorated again and the patient developed cardiopulmonary decompensation with a consecutive impairment of pulmonary, renal and liver function due to the ongoing acute heart failure.
Physicians decided to implant a Biventricular Assist Device (BIVAD)-Berlin Heart Excor. The five-hour procedure was carried out 15 July by Dr Norbert Augustin and his team.
Dr Scott Strong, CEO of SKMC, said this was the first time that such a very complex procedure was successfully performed in the region.
He explained the mechanical Berlin Heart completely replaces the function of a failing heart.
He said she was doing fine after her surgery and that the device was working properly. Although in most heart failure cases a Ventricular Assist Device (VAD) is inserted as bridge to transplant (while the patient waits for a suitable donor heart to become available), in some cases the device has been inserted as a bridge to recovery and this is the case with this patient.
At the time of this report (14 September) Dr Augustin was hoping that the young patient’s heart could recover as there were signs of a slight improvement in her heart function.
“Recovery of the native heart, which can take weeks to months of VAD support, is of course the most desirable clinical outcome,” he said.
|
|
Go
back |
|
|
|
|
|
|
 |