Related Experiment Video
Updated: May 19, 2026
16:11
Implantation of the Syncardia Total Artificial Heart
Published on: July 18, 2014
Total artificial heart.
Shiva M Sale1, Nicholas G Smedira
1Department of Cardiothoracic Anesthesia, Cleveland Clinic Foundation, OH 44195, USA. SALES@ccf.org
Best Practice & Research. Clinical Anaesthesiology
|August 23, 2012
Summary
Total artificial hearts (TAHs) offer a vital long-term surgical option for end-stage heart failure patients awaiting transplantation. Continuous-flow technology is advancing the development of smaller, more effective TAHs.
Area of Science:
- Cardiovascular Surgery
- Biomedical Engineering
Background:
- End-stage heart failure presents limited treatment options, often relying on transplantation or mechanical circulatory support.
- Donor organ shortages pose significant challenges for heart transplant candidates.
- Current mechanical circulatory support options for biventricular failure are limited.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the history, development, and clinical application of total artificial hearts (TAHs).
- To discuss anesthetic management, outcomes, and future directions for TAHs.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of TAH history, development, and clinical use.
- Analysis of anesthetic implications and published patient outcomes.
- Exploration of continuous-flow technology in TAH research.
Main Results:
- Total artificial hearts (TAHs) are a key surgical option for biventricular support as a bridge to transplant.
- Positive displacement pumps have limitations in size and complications.
- Continuous-flow technology is crucial for developing next-generation TAHs.
Conclusions:
- TAHs represent a critical treatment for end-stage heart failure when transplantation is not immediately feasible.
- Advancements in continuous-flow technology promise smaller and more effective TAH devices.
- Future research focuses on improving TAH design and clinical outcomes.
