MoyoAssist® Extra-VAD® Introduces Fully Magnetically Levitated Extracorporeal Heart Support Technology in China

A groundbreaking milestone in cardiac care was achieved at Wuhan Union Hospital, affiliated with Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology. On June 19, 2024, Professor Dong Nianguo's team successfully performed China's first clinical application of the MoyoAssist® – a fully magnetically levitated extracorporeal ventricular assist device. The device provided six days of life-sustaining support for a patient suffering from acute heart failure following a myocardial infarction, bridging them to a long-term implantable ventricular assist device (LVAD).

This milestone signifies a new chapter in the evolution of fully magnetically levitated extracorporeal heart technology, offering a transformative solution for patients with severe heart failure.

Advancing Precision Ventricular Support

In cases of acute heart failure, the choice of mechanical support is critical. On June 19, Professor Dong's team opted for MoyoAssist® over ECMO to provide targeted ventricular assistance while minimizing unnecessary pulmonary support. 

This strategic decision aimed at:

• Reduce blood trauma and lower anticoagulation intensity

• Minimize bleeding risks and improve hemodynamic stability

• Achieve more effective left ventricular decompression

The patient, an individual with blood type O, body weight over 90 kg, and a preserved right ventricle, faced significant challenges in heart transplantation due to donor limitations. The team determined that a long-term LVAD implant would be the optimal solution. MoyoAssist®, with its hemodynamic performance closely resembling that of implantable VADs, enabled precise right heart function assessment while supporting the patient through the critical post-infarction phase.

This successful bridging of Extra-VAD® to LVAD marks a significant breakthrough in mechanical circulatory support strategies for acute myocardial infarction patients.

Innovation Through Collaboration

Developed through a pioneering partnership between magAssist (magAssist) and Wuhan Union Hospital, MoyoAssist® exemplifies the power of interdisciplinary innovation in advancing life-saving medical technology. As the first domestically developed fully magnetically levitated extracorporeal heart support system, it represents a major step forward in high-end life support solutions, offering new hope for critically ill cardiac patients.

With this successful clinical application, MoyoAssist® is setting a new standard in extracorporeal heart support, reinforcing its potential as a game-changer in the field of heart failure management worldwide.