Despite medical efforts, the patient’s health deteriorated and she subsequently died.
News Colombia.
Cielo Gonzáles, the first woman to receive an artificial heart implant in Latin America, has died 10 years after her historic surgery. Gonzáles was diagnosed in April 2014 with an unknown heart failure that prevented her heart from pumping blood properly. Doctors at the International Hospital of Colombia in Bucaramanga offered her an innovative solution: an implant known as HeartMate II.
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“HeartMate II is an implantable mechanical pump that replaces the function of a weakened heart and must be carried in a backpack,” explained the Cardiovascular Foundation of Colombia.
For the woman, the device became an essential part of her daily life. “For me, my backpack is my life; even though it may hurt me at times, these years have allowed me to be happy,” said Gonzáles in an interview with Noticias Caracol.
The surgery to implant the HeartMate II was an extreme procedure that required close medical monitoring. Despite the challenges, the operation was successful and allowed Gonzales to live approximately 10 more years with a quality of life that would have otherwise been impossible. His story not only highlighted his bravery, but also the significant advancement in cardiovascular medicine in the region.
An infection affected Cielo Gonzáles’ health
Gonzáles’ health began to deteriorate due to a bacteria that became resistant to antibiotics. This infection affected both his immune system and the functioning of his artificial heart, they explained. Despite intense medical efforts to treat the complications, his health condition worsened, and on September 8, 2024, the Cardiovascular Institute announced his death.
Colombia’s International Hospital, located in the capital of Santander, has performed 33 of the 38 artificial heart implants nationwide to date. The institution continues to be a leader in the field of cardiology and remains committed to innovation and the treatment of heart disease.
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