Ms. Gao, mother of three, was diagnosed with primary cardiac tumor two months ago. Whilst her oldest child is still at the age of elementary school, the news was heartbreaking for the whole family. Surgeries for cardiac tumors, angiosarcoma in particular, are extremely technically demanding and carry high risks. Such a daunting nature may sometimes overwhelm many surgeons. The Department of Cardiac Surgery at PUMCH, however, successfully removed this complex tumor for Ms. Gao via orthotopic autologous heart transplantation. The patient recovered well and was discharged 8 days after the operation. Over the years, the cardiac surgery team of PUMCH has been blazing the trail in this area. Performing averagely over 20 cardiac angiosarcoma surgeries each year, the team brings hope to patients with cardiac tumors.

The annual angiosarcoma caseloads in the recent years make the team of PUMCH one the most productive institutions all over the world. While establishing a sound MDT system, the department also actively conducts joint research work with such institutions as Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, aiming to find more and better treatment options to patients.

From computed tomography scan, a giant tumor is shown to locate at the back of the heart and severely invade many vital structures such as the left atrium, left ventricle and mitral valve.

Correspondent: Liu Jianzhou and Zhao Yanxue

Reporter: Hong Chengwei

Picture: The Department of Cardiac Surgery

Translator: Liu Haiyan

Editor: Liu Xingrong and Wang Yao