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Updated: Apr 5, 2026
Implantation of the Syncardia Total Artificial Heart
Published on: July 18, 2014
[Total artificial heart]
H Antretter1, J Dumfarth2, D Höfer2
1Universitätsklinik für Herzchirurgie, Department Operative Medizin, Medizinische Universität Innsbruck, Anichstr. 35, 6020, Innsbruck, Österreich. herwig.antretter@i-med.ac.at.
Background:
To date the CardioWest™ total artificial heart is the only clinically available implantable biventricular mechanical replacement for irreversible cardiac failure.
Objectives:
This article presents the indications, contraindications, implantation procedere and postoperative treatment.
Material And Methods:
In addition to a overview of the applications of the total artificial heart this article gives a brief presentation of the two patients treated in our department with the CardioWest™.
Results:
The clinical course, postoperative rehabilitation, device-related complications and control mechanisms are presented.
Conclusion:
The total artificial heart is a reliable implant for treating critically ill patients with irreversible cardiogenic shock. A bridge to transplantation is feasible with excellent results.
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