A revolutionary artificial heart powered by rocket technology is offering new hope to millions of patients suffering from heart failure in China.
Twenty-five-year-old Li Haining from Shijiazhuang in north China’s Hebei Province was once on the brink of death due to severe heart disease. Just over three years ago, he underwent surgery to implant an artificial heart, known as HeartCon, after his own organ failed. Since then, his condition has dramatically improved, allowing him to lead a normal life with the aid of this groundbreaking medical device.
HeartCon was jointly developed by Tianjin-based TEDA International Cardiovascular Hospital and the China Academy of Launch Vehicle Technology, the country’s leading rocket manufacturer. The device functions as a pump delivering blood throughout the body, significantly alleviating the symptoms of heart failure. Engineers involved in the project liken the device’s mechanism to that of a rocket’s servomechanism, driven by a hydraulic pump.
Approved for market use in 2022, HeartCon has already saved over 190 patients in advanced stages of heart failure. Patients using the device carry a small controller, similar in size to a mobile phone, attached to their waist. This controller records various data such as the speed, flow, power, and heart rate of the blood pump. A thin wire connects the controller to a battery that continuously assists in pumping blood to organs throughout the body.
Li recalls the days before his implant surgery in May 2021: “I was prepared for the worst,” he said. He suffered from cold sweats and struggled with breathing difficulties while anxiously awaiting a heart transplant amid a severe shortage of donors.
“There are at least 16 million people in China suffering from heart failure. However, the scarcity of donors and the limitations of existing medications pose significant challenges for treatment,” said Liu Xiaocheng, head of TEDA International Cardiovascular Hospital. “Fortunately, the development of artificial hearts like HeartCon has emerged as a promising solution to extend the lives of these patients.”
Since receiving the implant, Li’s symptoms have significantly improved. He has gained 12 kilograms, found a girlfriend, and is now able to support himself financially. Some patients have experienced even better recovery and have successfully had their artificial hearts removed.
The domestically produced HeartCon is also more affordable than imported alternatives. Its developers are currently testing the “HeartCon II,” which features a smaller and lighter passive magnetic suspension design.
“We will continue the collaboration between medicine and engineering to save more lives,” Liu said.
Reference(s):
Rocket technology-powered device saves patients with heart failure
cgtn.com
