Parirenyatwa Successfully Performs Landmark Cardiac Surgery Using New Heart-Lung Machine for the First Time
Doctors at Parirenyatwa Group of Hospitals have made history by successfully performing open-heart surgery with a new heart-lung machine for the first time.
This is a significant advancement for Zimbabwe’s public cardiac care.
The groundbreaking surgery took place in Harare on Tuesday, as the hospital introduced a modern bypass machine acquired by the government.
Before starting the operation, the medical team took a moment to pray with the patient, highlighting the seriousness of the surgery and its importance for the nation’s healthcare system.
Although open-heart surgery has been done at Parirenyatwa before, Dr. Simukayi Percy Machawira, a specialist in cardiovascular and thoracic surgery, emphasized that the new machine represents a major improvement, ZBC reports.
“We’re excited to announce that we now have a new heart-lung machine, procured by the government last year. It’s a state-of-the-art S5 machine that will enhance our surgical procedures,” he said.
For nearly 20 years, the hospital relied on outdated equipment for complex surgeries, which often caused interruptions. The new machine features six pumps, making it more efficient and safer for patients.
“This machine has a lifespan of 10 to 15 years, and with proper care, it could last longer. This upgrade means we can perform surgeries continuously without interruptions,” Dr. Machawira explained.
Since restarting cardiac procedures in 2023, the team has operated on about 92 patients. They hope to increase this number and are planning a special event to operate on up to 10 patients a week.
Recently, the government has increased efforts to provide specialized equipment for public hospitals, including dialysis machines and CT scanners.
For the surgical team, this operation symbolizes years of hard work paying off. It provides renewed hope for patients needing complex cardiac care, making advanced, life-saving surgeries more accessible in Zimbabwe.
