Miniature artificial heart only as big as a battery set for trials in Australian patients
A NEW trial of a miniature artificial heart will be trialled in Australian patients to help those with weakened hearts.
NSW
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AN artificial heart the size of a small battery will be implanted in a patient for the first time in Australia.
Paul Jansz was one of the first Australian surgeons to replace a valve in a beating heart — now the St Vincent’s specialist will soon implant a new miniaturised artificial heart.
The Darlinghurst hospital is the only one in the country, and one of only a handful in the world, involved in the important trial of the new version of the Ventricular Assist Device (VAD), used to support heart function and blood flow in people who have weakened hearts.
Part of an international trial, the new smaller VAD is rapidly improving technology that has increased survival rates for patients with end-stage heart failure.
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Prior to its development, 20 per cent of patients would die waiting for a transplant. “We are already one of the world leaders in the field and we will be performing this operation for the first time in coming weeks or months,” Dr Jansz said.
“We are the only hospital in the country to be involved and it is very exciting.
“They are placed in the apex of the heart and take over pumping blood when the heart fails.
“A recent development replacing the valve in a beating heart was also a great achievement, particularly as all the patients are doing well.
“The aortic valve is already being replaced with a catheter while the heart is beating almost routinely now — what had never been done, with any great success, was replacing the mitral valve using a catheter and while the heart is beating.”
The 46-year-old father of three was always fascinated by the heart and was inspired by his father, who also was a doctor.
“I must have gained some inspiration from him and watching him help people, and I’m really lucky to work at St Vincent’s,’’ he said.
“We have so many great people working towards new and innovative treatments for patients with heart disease and I am really just part of a great team.
“The breakthroughs and firsts in transplantation are very rewarding — the first mechanical heart assist device and first total artificial heart replacement were also very rewarding.
“We pioneered minimally invasive heart valve surgery and have one of the biggest minimally invasive and robotic cardiac surgery programs in the country.
“All this means is that any patient can be given access to world-best cardiac surgery on a routine basis.”
This dedication and ability to save lives has earned Dr Jansz a Pride of Australia Care and Compassion Medal.
Nominated by a former patient, it’s clear he is always in their hearts.
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