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.
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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.
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