Month: January 2019

A left ventricular assist device (LVAD), is a mechanical pump that is implanted during open heart surgery.

Unlike a total artificial heart, the LVAD will not completely replace the function of the heart; instead, the LVAD will assist the heart to do its job; circulate blood through the body.

Implantation an LVAD device can mean the difference between life and death for a person with severe Left heart failure.

This pump was implanted by a surgery team coordinated by Dr Predrag Milojevic and Dr Zan Mitrev.

The postoperative course requires intense monitoring by a clinical staff, consisting, among others, of cardiologists, intensivists and physiotherapists.

During this period, the patient and the family are educated and receive practical advice on how to manage daily life with the LVAD device.

Several international studies have shown that LVAD patients can return to a reasonable quality of life after the first month of implantation. There have been numerous cases described of patients fully recovering left heart function that allows the removal of the LVAD after some time; however, these patients represent a minor subgroup

The 2^nd subgroup, are those patients who are unlikely to experience a full recovery of their left heart function following surgery. Those patients will require a heart transplant in the future. Thus, the LVAD is implanted as “bridge-to-transplant”.

The third subgroup comprises patients that receive an LVAD implantation as a destination-permanent therapy; in other words, the LVAD will be implanted for the remainder of the patient’s life; this approach is reserved commonly for patients of advanced age.

We have implemented an intensive monitoring program for the care, treatment and follow-up of LVAD-patients to ensure maximum safety and quality care.

Please see the video below, which was recorded in our clinic and refers to this case.

Zan Mitrev Clinic made a decision, the clinic will provide the girls Eleonora and Teodora Stojanovski from Stip free medical assistance and treatment until they reach adulthood.

– That means that the two little sisters will be able to be examined free of charge in our clinic, they will be provided medical care by the paediatric team whenever a need arises, stated Dr. Natasha Chuchkova Nokchevska, a paediatrician at our clinic.

Numerous packages of food, clothing and New Year’s presents arrived virtually from all over the country. The published article on the social networks and TV Star initiated the solution of some of the problems that the family Stojanovski faces, including the health problems of the girls.

– Whatever they wish, or whatever I wish to buy them, I do not have the opportunity to provide that, because I have no money. That was the case for the New Year, my little daughters want a Christmas tree, presents, to take a picture with Santa Claus, however they cannot have these things. I do not have the money to fulfill their wishes and this hurts me a lot, stated Vlatko Stojanovski, a single parent.

With a social welfare of 5.000 denars, one can hardly settle all costs for the month, says Vlatko. A major problem is the regular supply of drugs for the younger daughter Teodora. When she was a baby, immediately after her birth, she had a heart surgery.

– For almost four years after the birth of the younger daughter Teodora, we are constantly in hospitals. She is feeling slightly better now. They do not allow my daughters to go to kindergarten because I have no money to pay for it. What should I settle first in the month with a social welfare of 5.000 denars. Should I pay the bills for water, electricity, the most important medicines for the little one, or buy food. The money is not enough, explained Stojanovski.

Eleonora and Teodora were very happy to see Santa. He arrived in their home with the representatives of the Red Cross of Stip, bringing them many New Year’s gifts, food, toys and inevitable New Year’s presents …

The calls for assistance by humane people did not stop for days. Everyone shares a common thought. Eleonora and Teodora have the right to feel the magic brought by the New Year’s atmosphere …

We are here and we are always willing to help those who need urgent help …