Incheon Sejong Hospital Successfully Performs Bloodless LVAD Implantation on Indonesian Patient with Severe Heart Failure

Incheon Sejong Hospital has successfully performed a bloodless left ventricular assist device (LVAD) implantation on an Indonesian patient suffering from severe heart failure.

The patient, a 50-year-old Indonesian woman, had experienced worsening heart failure that made daily activities increasingly difficult. She suffered severe fatigue even with light physical activity, along with a significant drop in blood pressure. Despite continued medication, her condition did not improve, and her left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) had fallen to just 10–15%.

After assessing the patient’s condition, the medical team determined that medication alone would be insufficient to restore adequate heart function and decided to implant an LVAD, a mechanical device that supports the pumping function of a weakened heart.

LVAD implantation is a highly complex cardiac procedure that requires careful management of bleeding and anemia before, during, and after surgery. In this case, however, the patient could not receive blood transfusions due to her religious beliefs.

To respect the patient’s wishes while ensuring safe treatment, a multidisciplinary medical team developed a comprehensive treatment plan designed to minimize bleeding and blood loss throughout the entire process.

During surgery, the team focused on minimizing blood loss, while after the procedure, the patient was closely monitored for anemia, blood pressure, and other clinical indicators.

Although the patient experienced several symptoms during recovery, she improved under continuous medical care and was ultimately discharged without receiving a blood transfusion.

Dr. Kim Kyung-hee, Director of the Heart Transplant Center at Incheon Sejong Hospital, emphasized that bloodless surgery requires thorough communication and shared decision-making between patients and medical professionals. She added that the hospital would continue providing individualized treatment that respects each patient’s circumstances and values.

Dr. Oh Byung-hee, President of Incheon Sejong Hospital, also highlighted the hospital’s commitment to respecting patients’ beliefs and choices while providing the best possible medical care, drawing on its accumulated experience and expertise in highly complex cardiac surgery.

Source: NEWSIS, September 1, 2026