Historic first: IJN successfully performs Malaysia’s first paediatric LVAD implant
INSTITUT Jantung Negara (IJN) has made medical history by successfully performing Malaysia’s first Paediatric Left Ventricular Assist Device (LVAD) implantation, a groundbreaking achievement that marks a significant breakthrough in the nation’s paediatric cardiac care capabilities.
The pioneering procedure took place on 29 March 2025, just two days before Hari Raya, on 12-year-old Jackson Foong Yi Jie, who was urgently referred to IJN with symptoms of severe acute heart failure. Prior to his admission, Jackson, a previously healthy child and the son of two primary school teachers had experienced a six-day history of fever, diarrhoea, and vomiting. Upon arrival, his ejection fraction (EF), which indicates how well the heart pumps blood, was dangerously low at 15%. A healthy EF is 50% or above.
Shortly after being transferred to the ICU, Jackson’s condition deteriorated rapidly, culminating in seizures and ventricular fibrillation (VF), a life-threatening cardiac arrhythmia.
After three minutes of CPR, he was successfully resuscitated.
In a critical, time-sensitive decision, IJN’s multidisciplinary team proceeded with the implantation of a Paediatric LVAD, a mechanical circulatory support (MCS) device designed to temporarily take over the heart’s pumping function. The LVAD offers vital support to patients with advanced heart failure, giving the heart time to recover, or serving as a bridge to heart transplant if necessary.
The LVAD, or Left Ventricular Assist Device, is a small mechanical pump that helps the heart’s left side pump blood to the rest of the body. It takes blood from the left ventricle through an inflow tube, then pushes it through another tube into the aorta, the main artery that sends oxygen-rich blood throughout the body. The pump is connected to a control unit outside the body, which helps manage how it works and shows how well the heart is doing.
“This was a life-saving intervention,” said Mr. Khairul Anuar bin Abdul Aziz, Deputy Head of the Cardiothoracic and Vascular Surgery Department, who led the operation. “The LVAD enabled us to maintain circulation and provide the necessary time for the heart to regain function.”
The specific MCS device used was the CentriMag™ Acute Circulatory Support System. This external blood pump, used for short-term support (up to 30 days), connects via a surgically inserted cannula. It’s magnetically levitated pump design minimizes blood contact, thereby reducing clotting and stagnation risks.
A highly coordinated, multidisciplinary team, including cardiothoracic surgeons, anaesthetists, paediatric cardiologists, cardiac intensivists, perfusionists, nurses, and operating theatre technicians, was mobilised at short notice to ensure the success of this complex procedure.
It is also important to understand that left-sided heart failure, which Jackson experienced, is significantly more critical than right-sided failure. The left chamber of the heart is responsible for circulating oxygen-rich blood to the entire body. When it fails, the result is reduced systemic circulation, leading to symptoms such as confusion, dizziness, shortness of breath, and swelling in the lower extremities.
After 16 days of LVAD support, Jackson’s heart showed significant improvement, allowing the team to safely explant the device on 14 April 2025.
“Jackson has this contagious smile, and everyone involved in his care is thrilled that he has made an almost full recovery, with no neurological symptoms despite experiencing cardiac arrest,” said Dr. Joyce Darshinee, Consultant Paediatric Cardiac Intensivist, who oversaw his post-operative care. Fortunately, his heart recovered, and he didn’t need a heart transplant.”
Jackson is now enrolled in a cardiac rehabilitation programme and continues to make remarkable progresson in the ward. He is expected to be discharged from IJN soon.
This landmark achievement not only highlights IJN’s unwavering commitment to advancing treatment for complex paediatric heart conditions but also cements its position as a national and regional leader in cardiac innovation, bringing hope and new possibilities to children and families across Malaysia. — Vital Signs Asia
Original source — https://vitalsigns.asia/health-topics/heart-disease/historic-first-ijn-successfully-performs-malaysias-first-paediatric
— BebasNews
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Published on 14 May 2025 | By Bebas News