The surgery was performed on a 68-year-old local woman by a team from the Conde S. Januário Hospital (CHCSJ) in collaboration with cardiac specialists from the First Affiliated Hospital of Jinan University in mainland China.
The patient, who suffered from complex end-stage heart failure, has recovered well, with her symptoms resolved and her activity levels returned to normal, health officials said.
The procedure used a fully magnetically levitated artificial heart, a device independently developed in mainland China. Health authorities said its technical performance meets international standards and is designed to minimize blood damage and clot formation.
“This surgery fills a technical gap in the treatment of end-stage heart failure in Macau,” a spokesperson for the Health Bureau said. It provides a “reliable alternative” for patients who are unsuitable for a heart transplant or face long waiting times.
Previously, a heart transplant was the only option for such patients. The Left Ventricular Assist Device (LVAD), or artificial heart, is now recognized as the most effective treatment besides transplantation.
End-stage heart failure is a severe condition with a one-year mortality rate as high as 50%. Symptoms include breathlessness at rest, inability to lie flat, severe swelling, and abdominal discomfort.
The Macau SAR government stated it is committed to enhancing local healthcare by strengthening cooperation with top-tier hospitals in the region. Hospital Conde S. Januário said it plans to further expand collaborations with mainland medical teams to provide continued advanced care for residents.
