Groundbreaking cardiac procedure in Morocco: first successful LVAD implantation in Rabat

Thursday 27 February 2025 - 11:20

By: Dakir Madiha

Groundbreaking cardiac procedure in Morocco: first successful LVAD implantation in Rabat

A multidisciplinary medical-surgical team at the Mohammed V Military Teaching Hospital in Rabat has accomplished a historic milestone by performing Morocco's first successful implantation of a long-term left ventricular assist device (LVAD). The procedure was carried out on a 39-year-old patient suffering from end-stage chronic heart failure.

The LVAD, a mechanical circulatory support device, serves as a life-saving alternative for patients with advanced heart failure who are ineligible for heart transplants due to the global shortage of donor organs. This open-heart surgical intervention involves inserting an electric pump at the tip of the heart's left ventricle. The device draws blood from the ventricle and channels it into the aorta to maintain circulation. Connected to an external control module powered by rechargeable batteries, the LVAD significantly improves the patient's quality of life.

The patient, whose condition had severely diminished his ability to perform daily tasks, faced frequent hospitalizations and a drastically reduced life expectancy. Following this groundbreaking procedure, he has fully recovered one month post-surgery and is currently undergoing cardiac rehabilitation.

Colonel Dr. Younes Moutakiallah, Head of Cardiac Surgery at the hospital, emphasized that this achievement reflects the vision of King Mohammed VI, Supreme Commander and Chief of General Staff of the Royal Armed Forces, who prioritizes providing cutting-edge medical care to Moroccan citizens. Dr. Moutakiallah added that this success marks the beginning of efforts to make such advanced therapies widely accessible, highlighting Morocco's readiness to meet international standards in complex cardiac interventions.

The operation was performed at the hospital's state-of-the-art Cardiology Center, inaugurated in 2017 by the King. According to Dr. Moutakiallah, the patient's recovery underscores the skill and dedication of the medical team, which is committed to expanding access to innovative treatments for more patients in the future.

Dr. Mohamed Drissi, Head of Cardiovascular Intensive Care, expressed pride in being part of the team that conducted this intricate procedure. He explained that the surgery, which lasts an average of four hours under high-risk anesthesia, requires meticulous preoperative, intraoperative, and postoperative care. Post-surgical management involves close monitoring of hemodynamic, neurological, and respiratory parameters to ensure a successful outcome.

Dr. Najat Mouine, Head of Clinical Cardiology, elaborated on the stringent criteria for LVAD eligibility. Patients must undergo thorough preoperative evaluations, including detailed echocardiography, comprehensive cardiac catheterization, and assessments of right ventricular and aortic valve function. Postoperative care includes regular anticoagulant therapy, infection prevention measures, and frequent follow-ups to support recovery and enable patients to regain an active lifestyle.

The recipient of this life-changing device, Chief Corporal Mohammed Zorgane, shared his gratitude and relief at being able to resume his daily activities. Before the operation, he endured chronic fatigue, palpitations, shortness of breath, pain, and insomnia. He thanked King Mohammed VI for his unwavering commitment to the well-being of Moroccan citizens and expressed heartfelt appreciation to the medical team for their exceptional efforts.

This achievement places Morocco among a select group of nations capable of performing and managing LVAD implantations for both domestic and international patients, solidifying its position as a hub for advanced cardiac care.