Policlinico di Foggia surgeons implant artificial heart

Surgeons at the University Cardiac Surgery Complex of the Policlinico di Foggia have successfully implanted a permanent mechanical cardiac assistance device, known as a Left Ventricular Assist Device (LVAD) or artificial left heart, into a patient approximately 60 years old.

The patient suffered from genetically determined dilated cardiomyopathy and had experienced multiple episodes of heart failure requiring repeated hospitalizations. Due to concurrent kidney failure, the patient was ineligible for the heart transplant waiting list. The five-hour procedure involved applying a pump device to support the left ventricle, which could no longer sustain vital functions independently.

The surgical team was led by Director Professor Domenico Paparella, including cardiac surgeon Dr. Fabrizio Tancred and cardiac anesthesiologist Dr. Paolo Vetuschi. The patient is currently recovering and will undergo cardiac rehabilitation.