Abbott implantable heart pump debuts in China at CIIE

An implantable medical device, the first of its kind to use full maglev flow technology, and also designed to support the heart pumping and help circulate blood throughout the body for advanced heart failure patients, is making its China debut during the ongoing China International Import Expo (CIIE).

This implanted heart pump, a left ventricular assist device, can help the heart pump oxygen-rich blood throughout body and thus improve survival, functional status and quality of life for those patients, according to its developer Abbott, a United States-based healthcare company.

The company's data showed that patients were able to walk an average of 164 meters in six minutes before receiving the device, while the distance improved to 296 meters after they were implanted with the device.

Patients suffering from advanced heart failure are frequently hospitalized and have a reduced quality of life. They also face a higher risk of death, medical experts said.

"This 'artificial heart' implanted in the human body can provide a stable heart blood flow relying on technological innovation. The device can work to replace the contraction and blood supply function of the left ventricle with minimized impact on blood cells during rotation," said Laurie Chen, general manager of Abbott Electrophysiology and Heart Failure China.

"It can work as a heart function substitute for advanced heart failure patients and those who are awaiting a heart transplant," she said, adding that the product has not been launched in the country.

Altogether Abbott bought over 100 innovative technology and healthcare solutions to CIIE this year, and nearly 40 percent of the exhibits were unveiled in China for the first time.

Also in the field of arteries and heart health, another of Abbott's blockbuster exhibits is the world's first and only device so far designed to fix a congenital heart defect in premature babies.

The company's major exhibits in diagnostics include an innovative total solution for biochemical and immunity tests, which is expected to significantly help improve the performance of hospitals and medical labs.