KNH unveils Kenya’s first public Heart-Lung Machine

Doctors performing a surgery on a patient/FILE

Kenyatta National Hospital (KNH) has made history by unveiling a cutting-edge Heart-Lung machine—the first of its kind in a public hospital in Kenya.

The acquisition is set to revolutionise open-heart surgery and specialist medical training in the country.

The sophisticated machine, which temporarily takes over the functions of the heart and lungs during complex cardiac procedures, is widely regarded as a gold standard in cardiovascular surgery globally.

Its installation at KNH marks a major step forward for Kenya’s public health system.

Dr. Joel Lessan, Senior Director of Clinical Services at KNH, hailed the acquisition as a transformative development for cardiac care in Kenya.

“This machine is a game-changer in open-heart surgery,” said Dr. Lessan. “It allows the heart to be stopped safely during surgery so that delicate repair work can be done inside the heart without interference from blood flow or the beating motion.”

The Heart-Lung Machine works by removing oxygen-poor blood from the body, oxygenating it using an inbuilt oxygenator, and then pumping it back into the circulatory system.

This bypass system allows surgeons to operate with precision, even during the most delicate heart procedures.

Lessan explained that previously used machines in the public sector were cumbersome, difficult to operate, and limited in functionality—particularly when treating small or pediatric patients.

“The older machines couldn’t cater to babies or smaller patients effectively. They were reliant on lab-based equipment and had significant limitations,” he said.

In contrast, the new machine offers a wide operational range—capable of supporting patients from as small as 2 kilogrammes to as large as 200 kilogrammes.

It also integrates real-time blood analysis, measuring critical indicators such as carbon dioxide levels and blood volume in circulation, allowing for rapid adjustments during surgery.

“This means patients recover faster post-surgery due to the precision and efficiency of the machine,” said Dr. Lessan. “It is used in top-class hospitals around the world—and now, we have acquired it for common Kenyans.”

The installation of the Heart-Lung Machine is also expected to strengthen training opportunities for local specialists, reduce the need for referrals abroad, and increase access to advanced heart care for thousands of patients in Kenya and the wider East African region.