The patient, H.T.X 46 years old, from Thanh Hoa province, was diagnosed with end-stage heart failure caused by dilated cardiomyopathy, with an ejection fraction (EF) of only 19%, and severe complications including a previous stroke and subclavian artery blockage.  

Despite years of treatment with top medications, her condition remained critical, with frequent episodes of acute shortness of breath and pleural effusion requiring emergency care. 

Following thorough consultations with both domestic and international experts, doctors decided to implant the latest generation left ventricular assist device (LVAD – HeartMate 3). This mechanical pump supports the heart’s left ventricle, helping circulate blood throughout the body, while minimizing risks like blood clots and hemolysis.  

The device has external battery components and has been proven to significantly extend and improve quality of life for patients with advanced heart failure. 

The four-hour surgery was performed by doctors from the 108 Hospital under the guidance of Professor Jan D. Schmitto, president of the European Society for Mechanical Circulatory Support, and the first person to successfully implant the HeartMate 3 in a patient in 2014. That patient is still living a normal life 11 years later. 

Two weeks after surgery, the patient has recovered well, is independently mobile, and is preparing for discharge while receiving specialized care guidance. 

The 108 Central Military Hospital is currently the first facility in Vietnam authorized to routinely perform this procedure under regulations from the Ministry of Health and the Military Medical Department. The hospital's leadership has committed over VND5 billion (approximately US$200,000) per patient to support the initial cases. 

This success reflects strategic investment, international collaboration, and Vietnam’s growing expertise in high-tech medicine. It offers new hope for thousands of end-stage heart failure patients, many of whom previously had no option but to wait for scarce donor hearts. 

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