Clinical utilization of the artificial heart

Area of Science:

• Bioengineering
• Cardiovascular Surgery
• Intensive Care Medicine

Background:

• The artificial heart has progressed from concept to clinical application over 30 years.
• Over 150 artificial hearts have been used as a bridge to cardiac transplantation.
• Four patients have received permanent artificial heart implants.

Purpose of the Study:

• To discuss bioengineering and clinical concerns regarding the Jarvik total artificial heart (TAH).
• To highlight current problems and future research areas for artificial heart devices.

Main Methods:

• Review of clinical data related to artificial heart implantation and management.
• Discussion of critical issues including patient selection, operative techniques, and ICU care.
• Focus on the Jarvik total artificial heart (TAH) and its associated challenges.

Main Results:

• Artificial hearts are increasingly utilized, necessitating careful consideration of implantation and patient management.
• Challenges include defining patient selection criteria, optimizing surgical techniques, and managing anticoagulation, organ perfusion, and sepsis in the ICU.
• Clinical data reveal existing problems with current artificial heart technology.

Conclusions:

• Further research is required to address the identified problems and improve artificial heart technology.
• Standardized protocols for patient selection, surgical implantation, and post-operative care are essential.
• The development and application of total artificial hearts (TAH) require interdisciplinary collaboration between bioengineers and clinicians.