On November 18, 2023, the team led by Zhang Jinzhou, Director of Cardiovascular Surgery at Xi'an International Medical Center Hospital, successfully completed a minimally invasive artificial heart implantation surgery in a 16-year-old male patient. After searching, it was found to be the first case in the northwest region, setting a new minimum age for artificial heart implantation patients in the region.

At the age of 16, in the prime of his youth, Xiao Yang was diagnosed with dilated cardiomyopathy due to a sudden cerebral infarction. Cardiac ultrasound shows that the left ventricle is in a "spherical" shape, with a left ventricle (anterior posterior diameter/left and right diameter/long diameter) of 79/83/103mm and an ejection fraction (EF value) of 20.4%. After ineffective treatment at the local hospital, they arrived in Xi'an. I have been to multiple hospitals and have been diagnosed with dilated cardiomyopathy. The treatment plan given is either to wait for a donor heart transplant, or to receive medication or an artificial heart. All the matches were done, but the long wait and the possibility of a heart accident at any time were a torment for their family, so they came to Xi'an International Medical Center Hospital in admiration.

"Even if you smash the pot and sell iron, you have to treat your child," the tearful father choked up and said, "Grandpa passed away from this illness. I felt uncomfortable in my chest a few days ago, and after a heart ultrasound, my heart also became big. Although the doctor spoke subtly, I know I probably also have this disease..." "The child is now like carrying an 'indefinite bomb', and his life is in danger at any time. We cannot accept such a blow.", We have reviewed your previous reports on artificial hearts, and the first patient has been performing well for over two years after surgery. We will do it at your hospital and not go anywhere. You can do it for my child! A simple and sincere few words are a father's deep love for his son, and we also feel the heavy responsibility on our shoulders!

In order to minimize surgical risks and provide convenience for reoperation, led by Director Zhang Jinzhou of Cardiovascular Surgery, Vice Dean Liu Yantong, and Director Feng Junqiang of Medical Education Department, we invite Vice Dean Liu Bing of Cardiovascular Medicine, Director Chai Wei of Hand Anesthesia Department, Deputy Director Wang Binrong, Director Zhao Haitao of Medical Engineering Department, attending physician Wei Yuxiu of Ultrasound Department, attending physician Cheng Weiping of Cardiovascular Surgery Monitoring Room, imaging department, and transfusion department Experts from multiple disciplines such as the Department of Pharmacy have conducted multiple consultations, fully discussed and studied, and finally decided to implement the surgical plan of "minimally invasive small incision artificial heart implantation". Detailed surgical procedures, emergency treatment plans, and postoperative care points have been formulated.

On the morning of Saturday, November 18th, Director Zhang Jinzhou's team successfully performed the first minimally invasive left ventricular assist device implantation surgery for a minor in the northwest region for Xiao Yang through the right second intercostal and left fifth intercostal incisions, with the cooperation of brother departments such as the Anesthesiology and Surgery Department, Ultrasound Department, and Extracorporeal Circulation Department. The surgery process was smooth, lasting 3 hours, and the incision was only about 5-6cm. Intraoperative esophageal ultrasound showed satisfactory position of the inflow tube, unobstructed blood flow in the outflow tube, and good heart valve function.

Under the careful supervision and treatment of the cardiovascular care unit team, at 9:00 am on November 19th, Xiao Yang's vital signs remained stable and he successfully withdrew from the ventilator. The next day, he was already able to get out of bed and move around. At present, Xiao Yang has been transferred to a regular ward.

The ventricular assist device implanted into Xiaoyang's body this time is Corheart6, with a diameter of 34mm, a thickness of 26mm, and a weight of 90g. It is currently the smallest and lightest magnetic levitation centrifugal artificial heart in the world.