Doctors Implant Tiny Artificial Heart in Dying 7-Year-Old Boy

A 7-year-old Chinese boy, pseudonymously called Junjun, has become the world’s youngest patient to receive a magnetically levitated biventricular assist device—the smallest and lightest artificial heart on the market. The groundbreaking surgery occurred at Union Hospital, affiliated with Tongji Medical College of Huazhong University of Science and Technology in Wuhan.

Junjun, diagnosed with dilated cardiomyopathy in May 2024, later experienced severe cardiogenic shock. Due to the lack of a suitable donor heart, doctors opted for a domestically developed artificial heart. Weighing only 45 grams and measuring 2.9 cm in diameter, the device was implanted during a five-hour operation led by cardiac surgeon Dong Nianguo. Junjun began breathing independently the next day, and his heart function continues to improve.

Developed in collaboration with Shenzhen Core Medical Technology Co., Ltd. since 2021, this third-generation device uses magnetic levitation, offering key advantages such as low energy use, extended battery life, real-time adjustment to meet circulatory needs, and enhanced stability during patient transfers.

Pediatric heart failure remains a global challenge. In China alone, around 40,000 children with severe heart failure are hospitalized annually, and 7–10% urgently need transplants. Yet, fewer than 100 pediatric transplants occur each year due to a chronic donor shortage.

Traditional ventricular assist devices are either too damaging or designed for adults. “Children are not adults with smaller bodies. They need tailored solutions,” said Dong.

This successful implantation could revolutionize pediatric cardiac care worldwide. “China has progressed from a follower to a leader in treating end-stage heart disease,” noted hospital president Xia Jiahong. Junjun’s parents expressed deep gratitude and hope to return home once his condition stabilizes.