First in Korea to Successfully Perform 200 Cases of Left Ventricular Assist Device (LVAD) Surgery

2025.01.15  282

 

For the first time in Korea, Samsung Medical Center has surpassed 200 Left Ventricular Assist Device (LVAD) surgeries. Since October 2018, LVADs, commonly known as artificial hearts, have been covered by health insurance, resulting in an increase in surgeries performed at hospitals nationwide. These devices provide critical support for patients facing end-stage heart failure, particularly when waiting for a heart transplant is not feasible or when transplantation is not an option. The number of patients in need of heart transplants has risen, but the availability of brain-dead donors has decreased due to the effects of low birth rates and an aging population. Consequently, the importance of Left Ventricular Assist Devices has grown significantly. As of December 2024, an analysis of 202 LVAD surgeries at Samsung Medical Center showed a survival discharge rate of 95% and a 3-year survival rate of 80%, which is comparable to the survival rates following heart transplantation.

 

 

To support this progress, the Acute Heart Failure Team at Samsung Medical Center’s Heart Vascular Stroke Institute runs an Artificial Heart Clinic, focused in offering multidisciplinary care. The milestone of 200 surgeries marks a significant turning point, with plans to establish a more systematic and advanced system throughout the entire treatment process.

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Patients' Rights and Responsibilities

Patients' Rights

1. Right to receive medical care

Patients have the right to receive proper care in a safe setting without discrimination nor should their right to care be violated regardless of their gender, age, religion, social status, nationality, language, race, or physical/mental/financial status. Medical teams shall not refuse to provide care without justifiable reason.

2. Right to be informed and to make an autonomous decision

Patients have the right to obtain full and complete information from their medical team, to ask questions, and to determine their agreement or refusal concerning: diagnosis, treatment (purpose, plans and methods), outcomes of care (including unanticipated outcomes), discharge plan, participation in medical research studies, organ transplantation/donation, etc. Within ethical boundaries, patients may discontinue or refuse treatment, request that the medical team explain and suggest alternative treatments, and reserve the right to make their own decisions.

3. Right to confidentiality

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4. Right to request consultation and mediation

In the event of a medical dispute, patients may request consultation and mediation from an internal or external agency (Korea Consumer Agency, Korea Medical Dispute Mediation and Arbitration Agency).

5. Right to have values and beliefs respected

Patients will not be discriminated against because of their culture, religious values, or beliefs, and their rights will not be violated.

6. Right to receive care in a safe setting

Patients have the right to receive hospital-provided care where the patient’s medical information is protected and patient safety can be assured. In addition, patients have the right to be protected from possible dangers that can occur in a hospital and to have stability of mind and body.

Patients' Responsibilities

1. Responsibility to trust and respect the medical team

Patients must accurately inform the medical team of their health condition and must trust and respect the medical team's treatment plan. Patients may be responsible for consequences that result from not following instructions.

2. Responsibility to not use dishonest methods for medical treatment

Patients must reveal their identity before receiving any medical care and must not use false or dishonest methods, such as seeking medical care under disguised ownership.

3. Responsibility to abide by all hospital regulations

Patients are expected to treat all hospital staff and other patients with courtesy and respect; to abide by all hospital rules; and to earnestly fulfill their financial obligation to the hospital. Also, patients and their family members are expected to participate in all safety regulations.