KUALA LUMPUR, May 12 — Institut Jantung Negara (IJN) has successfully performed Malaysia’s first paediatric Left Ventricular Assist Device (LVAD) implantation, a historic advancement in the nation’s paediatric cardiac care. The procedure was carried out on 12-year-old Jackson Foong Yi Jie, who was admitted with advanced heart failure and later suffered seizures and life-threatening ventricular fibrillation.
A multidisciplinary team swiftly implanted the LVAD on March 29, stabilising Jackson’s condition and giving his heart time to recover. After 16 days of mechanical support, Jackson’s heart function showed significant improvement, allowing for the device’s safe removal on April 14. “This was a life-saving intervention,” said Mr. Khairul Anuar bin Abdul Aziz, who led the surgery.
Consultant Paediatric Cardiac Intensivist Dr Joyce Darshinee added that Jackson’s recovery has been exceptional, with no neurological complications despite the severity of his condition. IJN hailed the success as a testament to its leadership in cardiac innovation and commitment to improving outcomes for children with complex heart diseases.
