Chinese doctors have implanted the world’s smallest and lightest artificial heart into a seven-year-old boy.
The heart uses magnetic levitation technology. This surgery gives the boy more time while he waits for a transplant. The device weighs 45 grams and measures 2.9 centimeters in diameter. It’s about the size of a plastic water bottle cap and weighs half as much as the smallest adult maglev heart pump.
Union Hospital, part of Tongji Medical College at Huazhong University of Science and Technology in Wuhan, performed the surgery on March 30. The hospital announced recently that the boy is now stable and receiving further care.
Doctors diagnosed the child, nicknamed Jun Jun, with end-stage heart failure in May 2024. They recommended a heart transplant, according to China National Radio (CNR).
However, tests showed Jun Jun has a rare blood type. This made it difficult to find a matching donor. He also developed breathing problems and faced infection risks, the report said.
After discussions with his family, Professor Dong Nianguo decided to proceed with surgery. Dong works at Union Hospital and specializes in pediatric cardiac care.
The artificial heart acts like a strong motor. It helps rest the weakened ventricles while keeping blood flowing. The device supports children in critical condition through a minimally invasive and effective procedure, CNR reported.
Unlike downsized adult versions, this heart was designed specifically for children. Engineers adjusted every feature to fit their anatomy and physiology.
The surgery lasted five hours. Jun Jun started breathing on his own the next day. Doctors moved him to a special care ward after five days, Dong said.
Researchers spent three years developing this device. It fills a global gap in pediatric maglev heart pumps and offers a Chinese solution to treat end-stage heart failure in children, according to CNR.
Jun Jun now shows stable vital signs. Professor Dong said he has a good chance for future treatment.
Written by Yi Shen, additional reporting by China Daily and Global Times.
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