In a groundbreaking achievement, a 58-year-old man in the United States has become the first person in the world to receive a temporary titanium artificial heart. Created by BiVACOR, this metal organ is designed to fully replace the function of a human heart for as long as possible. Unlike traditional artificial hearts, BiVACOR’s Total Artificial Heart (TAH) does not beat like a real heart, but it is powerful enough to sustain a person during exercise and is small enough to accommodate most individuals.
The BiVACOR artificial heart features a double-chambered titanium device about the size of a fist, making it virtually indestructible and resistant to corrosion and mechanical wear. The only moving part is a magnetically levitating rotor hidden within, which pumps blood to the lungs and the rest of the body. This innovative design eliminates the risk of friction-related damage over time and is powered by a small, external controller that exits through the stomach.
After a decade of development, multiple design iterations, and numerous animal studies, the BiVACOR artificial heart successfully underwent its first human implant at Baylor St. Luke’s Medical Center at the Texas Heart Institute. The implantation procedure was carried out without any complications, and the titanium heart functioned effectively for eight days until a real donor heart became available. BiVACOR’s founder, Daniel Timms, expressed pride in this milestone achievement and credited the patient’s courage, the dedication of their team, and collaboration with expert partners for the success of the implant.
Currently, heart transplants remain the best treatment option for individuals with severe heart failure, but the limited availability of donor hearts poses significant challenges. With less than 6,000 heart transplants performed worldwide annually, artificial hearts play a critical role in extending and improving the quality of life for patients awaiting transplants. While only one artificial heart, the SynCardia Total Artificial Heart, has received commercial approval from the FDA in the past two decades, the BiVACOR heart offers a new paradigm in artificial heart design that prioritizes durability and longevity.
The success of the BiVACOR artificial heart implant has paved the way for further advancements in artificial heart technology. With FDA approval granted for up to five additional implants in patients with end-stage heart failure by 2024, the potential impact of a commercially viable, long-term mechanical heart replacement is immense. The ongoing clinical study of the BiVACOR TAH holds promise for revolutionizing the treatment of heart failure and enhancing the lives of patients in need of advanced cardiac care.
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