He National Cardiovascular Institute (INCOR) of Social Health Insurance (EsSalud) achieved, a year ago, an unprecedented advance in Peruvian medicine: it implanted for the first time a “portable artificial heart” in a patient with advanced heart failure who was not suitable for transplant. The procedure, performed in February 2025, allowed Leslie Flores, 40 years old and mother of three daughters, to regain autonomy and quality of life after spending more than 14 months hospitalized.
The intervention consisted of the placement of a left ventricular assist device, a mechanism that replaces the function of the left ventricle by connecting directly to the aorta. This system guarantees a constant and efficient blood flow, allowing the patient to move around thanks to portable external batteries.
The alternative represented a unique opportunity for Leslie, whose diagnosis of non-ischemic dilated cardiomyopathy led to severe heart failure that restricted all of her daily activities.
Before the operation, the patient was dependent on a fixed circulatory support system, which required her to remain in the hospital and exposed her to additional risks. Her clinical condition ruled her out as a transplant candidate, so the medical team considered the implant as the only way to restore her health and allow her to return home.
The operation lasted about ten hours and required the coordination of a team of specialists in cardiovascular surgery, anesthesia and intensive care. After overcoming the postoperative period, Leslie managed to breathe without assistance, walk, feed herself independently and reintegrate into the family routine with her husband, Christian, and her daughters Karla, Victoria and Alejandra.
The post-implant follow-up has been led by a multidisciplinary team from INCOR, coordinated by Dr. Christian Soplopuco, who stressed the importance of a joint approach.
“During these twelve months, cardiologists, nurses, nutritionists, physiotherapists and a hematologist have maintained permanent control, since the device requires chronic anticoagulant treatment to prevent complications,” explained the specialist.
In addition to clinical support, the immediate environment played an essential role in recovery. Leslie’s family learned to manage the device and its components, ensuring strict compliance with medical instructions. According to Soplopuco, the discipline and commitment of the family circle were decisive in the progress achieved and in the prevention of incidents during the adaptation to the portable system.
At the commemorative event for the first anniversary of the procedure, Leslie Flores shared her emotional experience. “This first year with the device has been a period of learning and purpose, always with the attitude of moving forward,” he said.
Likewise, he thanked the doctors for their constant support. “Thank you so much for being with me and taking care of me during the time I was at the institute. The entire team did an admirable job and this achievement makes me very happy, because now I can take care of my daughters and myself,” she stated.
