Chinese-made Rocket Heart implanted in over 500 patients

A Chinese-developed artificial heart has been implanted in more than 500 patients with end-stage heart failure nationwide, offering an alternative for patients unable to receive donor hearts.

Known as the Rocket Heart, the left ventricular assist device was jointly developed by Tianjin TEDA International Cardiovascular Hospital and the China Academy of Launch Vehicle Technology, drawing on technology originally used in China's aerospace industry. It assists weakened hearts by helping them pump blood throughout the body.

Among its latest recipients was Zhou Chunyu, 56, from Heilongjiang province, who had suffered from severe heart failure for years. Before undergoing surgery in July, he struggled to get out of bed without becoming short of breath. "I was utterly exhausted, unable to do anything," Zhou said. After receiving the device, his chest tightness and fatigue eased, and he can now manage normal daily activities.

Heart transplantation remains an important treatment for end-stage heart failure, but the shortage of donor organs means many patients cannot receive a transplant in time, according to Liu Xiaocheng, president of the hospital and lead researcher of the Rocket Heart project. "For patients who have lost hope while waiting for a transplant, an artificial heart offers a vital lifesaving alternative," Liu said.

Development of the Rocket Heart began in 2009 through cooperation between doctors and aerospace engineers. The first implantation was performed in 2019, and the first-generation device received approval for market release in 2022.

The team has since developed Rocket Heart 2.0, a smaller device weighing 75 grams. Liu said the new model can provide a maximum blood flow of 10 liters per minute while further improving blood compatibility.

Zhang Yiwen and Yang Xinyu contributed to this story.