KUALA LUMPUR, 24 April 2025 – In a groundbreaking milestone for Malaysia’s medical community, Institut Jantung Negara (IJN) has successfully performed the nation’s first Paediatric Left Ventricular Assist Device (LVAD) implantation. This remarkable achievement marks a significant leap forward in paediatric cardiac care, offering new hope for children with severe heart conditions.
The historic procedure was conducted on 12-year-old Jackson Foong Yi Jie on 29 March 2025. Jackson was urgently referred to IJN after exhibiting symptoms of advanced heart failure. His condition worsened rapidly, leading to seizures and ventricular fibrillation—a critical cardiac arrhythmia.
Facing a life-threatening situation, IJN’s multidisciplinary team swiftly intervened by implanting a Paediatric LVAD, a mechanical device designed to support heart function temporarily. The LVAD acts as a bridge to recovery or transplantation, stabilising patients with severe heart failure while allowing the heart time to heal.
Mr. Khairul Anuar bin Abdul Aziz, Deputy Head of Cardiothoracic and Vascular Surgery at IJN, who led the operation, emphasised the urgency of the procedure: “This was a race against time. The LVAD ensured Jackson’s circulation remained stable, giving his heart the chance to recover.” The success of the surgery was a collaborative effort, involving cardiothoracic surgeons, anaesthetists, paediatric cardiologists, perfusionists, nurses, and operating theatre technicians.
After 16 days of LVAD support, Jackson’s heart showed remarkable improvement, enabling the device to be removed on 14 April 2025.
Dr. Joyce Darshinee, Consultant Paediatric Cardiac Intensivist at IJN, shared her relief: “Jackson’s recovery has been nothing short of miraculous. Despite the cardiac arrest, he shows no neurological deficits, and his heart has regained sufficient function, eliminating the need for a transplant. His cheerful spirit has been an inspiration to everyone involved in his care.”
Jackson is now recovering on the ward and is expected to be discharged soon. This pioneering achievement underscores IJN’s unwavering commitment to advancing paediatric cardiac treatments and solidifies its position as a leader in cardiac innovation, both in Malaysia and the broader region.
ABOUT INSTITUT JANTUNG NEGARA (IJN)
Established in *1992*, IJN is Malaysia’s premier heart specialist centre, offering cutting-edge care for heart, lung, and vascular diseases in adults and children. As a tertiary referral centre, IJN handles complex cases with unparalleled expertise, performing over 4,400 cardiothoracic surgeries and 17,000 cardiac catheterisations annually. Its paediatric unit is equally distinguished, conducting 1,500 paediatric heart surgeries and serving 15,000 young patients each year.
Recognised globally, IJN is a finalist in the Malaysia Healthcare Travel Council’s Flagship Medical Tourism Hospital Programme, attracting international patients seeking world-class care. Beyond clinical excellence, IJN is dedicated to research, education, and community outreach, cementing its role as a pillar of Malaysia’s healthcare system.
For media inquiries, contact:
- Izrinda Badrolhisham | Tel: +603-2600 6308 | Email: nurizrinda@ijn.com.my
- Ayman Hazim | Tel: +603-2600 6307 | Email: ayman@ijn.com.my
For appointments:
- Tel: +603 2617 8844 | Email: heart@ijn.com.my
Address:
145, Jalan Tun Razak, 50400 Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.
Website: www.ijn.com.my
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Muzhameer Putra