Maglev titanium heart now whirs inside the chest of a live patient
A fully mechanical heart, the BiVACOR total artificial heart, has been implanted in a patient, aiming to support those awaiting transplants. It features a titanium design and pumps blood efficiently.
Read original article
For the first time, a fully mechanical heart, the BiVACOR total artificial heart (TAH), has been implanted in a human patient. This significant advancement aims to support individuals awaiting heart transplants. The TAH, which is about the size of a large fist, features a titanium construction and operates using a magnetically levitated rotor, allowing it to pump blood without friction, a common issue in mechanical devices. This design could potentially lead to a longer lifespan for the heart compared to traditional artificial hearts that use flexible polymer diaphragms. The device can pump blood at a rate of 12 liters per minute, sufficient for an adult male to engage in physical activity. The implantation was part of an early feasibility study overseen by the US Food and Drug Administration at the Texas Heart Institute. BiVACOR has been developing this technology since 2013, and the current goal is to provide a temporary solution for patients with end-stage heart failure. Following this initial surgery, two more patients will receive the titanium heart as part of ongoing clinical trials. Heart failure affects over 26 million people globally, and the demand for heart transplants has significantly increased, highlighting the potential impact of BiVACOR's innovation in addressing this critical health issue.
Related
Computer-designed proteins guide stem cells to form blood vessels
Researchers at the University of Washington developed computer-designed proteins to guide stem cells in forming blood vessels, showing promise in regenerative medicine for organ repair. The study highlights potential advancements in tissue development research.
Bionic leg moves like a natural limb, without conscious thought
A groundbreaking bionic leg controlled by the brain and spinal cord, named AMI, improves speed, balance, and mobility for amputees. Lead researcher Hugh Herr emphasizes natural control and plans for further enhancements.
The $43M Veterans Affairs simulation hospital where doctors pilot new tech
Health-care workers at the VA use SimVET, a $43 million simulation facility in Florida, to test new technologies and procedures safely. It offers realistic training environments and has led to the implementation of a new medical code, "code SET," nationwide.
Heart transplant breakthrough as human receives titanium heart for first time
A 58-year-old man became the first recipient of the BiVACOR Total Artificial Heart, a titanium device, during a study to assist patients awaiting heart transplants, marking a medical milestone.
Maglev titanium heart now whirs inside the chest of a live patient
A fully mechanical heart, the BiVACOR total artificial heart, has been implanted in a patient, aiming to support those awaiting transplants. It features a titanium design and pumps blood efficiently.
- Many users express curiosity about the mechanics of the heart, including how it connects to arteries and the implications of continuous blood flow.
- There are discussions about the limitations of the artificial heart, particularly why it is intended only as a temporary solution until a transplant can be performed.
- Some commenters reflect on the unique experience of living without a pulse and the potential physiological effects of steady-state blood pumping.
- Several users highlight the advancements in technology and the implications for future medical devices, including comparisons to existing technologies.
- There is a sense of admiration for the bravery of the patient involved and the potential for medical advancements stemming from this procedure.
22 commentsWhy are we not aiming higher?
https://spectrum.ieee.org/this-maglev-heart-could-keep-cardi...
That's some high-stakes software programming!
Passively-stable magnetic levitation is possible with diamagnetic materials (notably including superconductors), but those probably don't meet the requirements of this project.
- "This positional control system works as follows: Tiny contactless sensors send out magnetic fields that interact with the rotor, determining its exact location many times per second. If the rotor is moving in one direction or another, the control system puts electrical energy into electromagnetic coils within several actuators, causing them to cancel out that movement."
Here's an article from 2002 about this type of pump: http://www.mech.ibaraki.ac.jp/~ismb8/pocpdf/0001.pdf
Why is this? What are the downsides of just keeping this artificial heart forever? Do the components somehow wear out so fast that it makes more sense to have another surgery with a real heart, or is it something with the recharge requirements, or something else?
Related
Computer-designed proteins guide stem cells to form blood vessels
Researchers at the University of Washington developed computer-designed proteins to guide stem cells in forming blood vessels, showing promise in regenerative medicine for organ repair. The study highlights potential advancements in tissue development research.
Bionic leg moves like a natural limb, without conscious thought
A groundbreaking bionic leg controlled by the brain and spinal cord, named AMI, improves speed, balance, and mobility for amputees. Lead researcher Hugh Herr emphasizes natural control and plans for further enhancements.
The $43M Veterans Affairs simulation hospital where doctors pilot new tech
Health-care workers at the VA use SimVET, a $43 million simulation facility in Florida, to test new technologies and procedures safely. It offers realistic training environments and has led to the implementation of a new medical code, "code SET," nationwide.
Heart transplant breakthrough as human receives titanium heart for first time
A 58-year-old man became the first recipient of the BiVACOR Total Artificial Heart, a titanium device, during a study to assist patients awaiting heart transplants, marking a medical milestone.
Maglev titanium heart now whirs inside the chest of a live patient
A fully mechanical heart, the BiVACOR total artificial heart, has been implanted in a patient, aiming to support those awaiting transplants. It features a titanium design and pumps blood efficiently.