Successful First Heart Assist Device Implantation in Morocco

A medical-surgical team at the Mohammed V Military Hospital in Rabat successfully performed the first long-term implantation of a heart and vascular assist device on a 39-year-old patient suffering from end-stage chronic heart failure. This procedure is part of mechanical circulatory assistance, known as the Left Ventricular Assist Device (LVAD).

The surgery involves open-heart surgery, during which a mechanical pump is placed in the left ventricle of the heart, drawing blood and pumping it through the aortic valve. The pump is connected to an external control unit powered by two rechargeable batteries.

This technique, widely used in the USA, Europe, and Asia, offers an alternative to heart transplants, which are limited by the global shortage of organ donors.

The patient, suffering from terminal heart failure, had been struggling to perform daily activities. This disease, which significantly reduces life expectancy, required frequent treatments for heart failure management.

Colonel Doctor Younes Metki Allah, head of the heart and vascular surgery department at the Mohammed V Military Hospital, confirmed that the surgery was carried out by a multidisciplinary team at the Heart Medicine Center, inaugurated by King Mohammed VI in 2017.

This was the first successful implantation in Morocco, and the patient fully recovered a month after surgery, currently undergoing rehabilitation. Dr. Metki Allah emphasized that this achievement marks the beginning of a journey to make this treatment accessible to everyone, and noted that Morocco has the necessary skills to perform such procedures according to the highest global standards.

Colonel Dr. Mohamed Drissi, head of the cardiopulmonary resuscitation service, expressed pride in being part of the team that performed this complex surgery, requiring meticulous care before, during, and after the procedure.

The surgery typically lasts around four hours and requires deep anesthesia, followed by intensive monitoring. The medical team uses a wide range of equipment and resources to manage the patient’s post-operative care, ensuring proper control over blood dynamics, neurological, and respiratory functions.

Major Dr. Najat Maïn, head of the clinical cardiology department, pointed out that the LVAD enables patients to regain quality of life by improving cardiac function. Patients must undergo a thorough pre-surgical evaluation to assess right ventricular performance and the health of the aortic valve, including a detailed echocardiogram.

Post-surgery, patients need to undergo cardiac rehabilitation sessions, along with regular follow-up medical exams. Anticoagulants are required to prevent blood clotting, in addition to regular care of the device site to avoid infections.

Sergeant Major Mohamed Zorkane, the beneficiary of this medical innovation, expressed his joy at regaining his normal life after suffering from chronic fatigue, palpitations, and difficulty breathing.

With this achievement, Morocco is now among the countries that possess the expertise to treat and monitor both national and international patients who have undergone LVAD implantation.