Core Insights - The article discusses the current state and future prospects of the long-term circulatory support industry, emphasizing its significance in treating end-stage heart failure patients and the expected growth in patient numbers and market size. Group 1: Industry Overview - The long-term circulatory support industry provides essential services for patients with end-stage heart failure, utilizing devices such as implantable ventricular assist devices and total artificial hearts [4][5]. - The industry is characterized by a high complexity and heterogeneity, with various classification systems for heart failure, including NYHA and INTERMACS [5][6]. Group 2: Epidemiology and Patient Demographics - In China, approximately 65% of heart failure patients are in the early stage, 25% in the progressive stage, and 10% in the end-stage [7]. - The annual incidence of heart failure in China is reported to be 275 per 100,000 people, with a standardized prevalence of 1.10% among adults aged 25 and older [7][8]. Group 3: Global Market Trends - The global heart failure patient population is projected to grow from 62.98 million in 2024 to 71.51 million by 2033, with a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 1.4% [10]. - In China, the number of heart failure patients is expected to increase from 15.35 million in 2024 to 17.72 million by 2033, with a CAGR of 1.6% [10]. Group 4: Clinical Application and Challenges - End-stage heart failure has a poor prognosis, with a one-year mortality rate close to 50%, and a median time from diagnosis to death of approximately 12.2 months [6][10]. - The article highlights the need for improved treatment options and the role of long-term circulatory support devices in enhancing patient outcomes [4][5].

Core Insights - A 5-year-old child weighing 13 kg has successfully received a third-generation magnetic levitation biventricular artificial heart, setting a new record for the smallest age and lightest weight for such a procedure globally [1][2] - The surgery, lasting 9 hours, was a collaboration between Nanjing Children's Hospital and Tianjin TEDA International Cardiovascular Hospital, overcoming challenges related to the small thoracic cavity and balancing blood flow between the left and right hearts [1] - The child was diagnosed with a rare restrictive cardiomyopathy three years ago, with a significant deterioration in health leading to the decision for the artificial heart implantation due to the extreme scarcity of heart donors for young children [1] Technological Advancements - The development of the pediatric magnetic levitation ventricular assist device was based on the child's imaging data, resulting in a device weighing approximately 70 grams, designed specifically for low-weight patients [2] - This device features low hemolysis and high compatibility, addressing blood flow balance issues and reducing thrombus risk, significantly enhancing suitability for young, low-weight patients [2] - The transition from "external dependence" to "internal adaptation" allows more young patients with end-stage heart failure to access third-generation magnetic levitation artificial hearts, similar to adults [2]