First partial heart implantation in CIS performed in Kazakhstan

The unique surgery was made in cardiosurgery center in Astana, Kazakhstan. Simultaneous implantation of two auxiliary devices into the heart is the first experience of such surgeries in CIS and Eastern Europe, M.D. Almaz Sharman told Tengrinews.kz. The patient, 19-y.o. citizen of South-Kazakhstan oblast with a heart defect, had several unsuccessful surgeries a few years ago and suffered from serious complications. The doctors said he wouldn’t live long. Preparations for the surgery lasted for 5 hours. His right auricle ruptured during the surgery. To eliminate it, his body was cooled down to 22 degrees in 5 minutes. It allowed to reduce the blood flow and stitch up the wound. The auxiliary devices were installed in the left ventricle and right auricle. The implants of such level are part of the technology of fully artificial heart. They were first used on April 25, 2012 in the United States. Kazakhstan is one of 7 countries that use such devices in cardiosurgery. Each of the implants pumps around 5 liters of blood per minute.