The first long-term artificial heart transplant in Canada

Mr. Gérard Langevin is the first Canadian to have a long-term heart transplant (Photo: theglobeandmail)

McGill University Medical Center has just announced that it has performed the first long-term artificial heart transplant operation in Canada. The patient, Mr. Gérard Langevin, resided in Monteregie (Quebec), had a heart transplant on November 23, 2006 and is now discharged. Heart machine life for nearly 10 years.

Currently, artificial hearts on the market are temporary pumps that last from 1 year and a half to 3 years. They are used mainly during the time of waiting for a heart transplant.

Artificial heart HeartMate II is manufactured by Thoratec and assembled in the framework of a North American clinical trial. If the Canadian Ministry of Health approves the use of the heart after trials, it will replace some classical heart transplants, especially for patients who cannot receive transplants due to other complications. strong.

Small in size with a large battery, HeartMate II's heart works with a rechargeable battery and is connected to a small computer weighing about 2kg that the patient carries. It is worth $ 100,000, which is similar to other machine hearts currently being used in a short time.