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Updated: May 26, 2026
08:49
Use of Two Intracorporeal Ventricular Assist Devices As a Total Artificial Heart
Published on: May 11, 2018
Total artificial hearts: an evolution on the horizon.
Ajith Nair1, Niels P van der Kaaij2, Jolanda Kluin2
1The Texas Heart Institute at Baylor College of Medicine, 6770 Bertner Ave, MC 3-116, Houston, TX 77030, USA.
European Heart Journal
|May 25, 2026
Summary
Mechanical blood pumps, including total artificial hearts, offer solutions for advanced heart failure. New total artificial heart technologies aim to provide off-the-shelf options for biventricular or univentricular heart failure patients.
Area of Science:
- Biomedical Engineering
- Cardiovascular Medicine
- Medical Devices
Background:
- Mechanical blood pumps were conceptualized in the 1950s to support failing hearts.
- Left ventricular assist devices have significantly advanced heart failure treatment.
- Current devices inadequately serve patients needing biventricular or univentricular support.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review patient populations suitable for total artificial hearts (TAHs).
- To discuss the management strategies for TAH recipients.
- To examine emerging TAH technologies for unmet clinical needs.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of mechanical circulatory support devices.
- Analysis of patient cohorts for TAH candidacy.
- Overview of current and developmental TAH technologies.
Main Results:
- Left ventricular assist devices are established, but TAHs address broader heart failure.
- New TAH generations are under development for comprehensive heart support.
- Specific patient groups benefit from TAHs over left-sided devices.
Conclusions:
- Total artificial hearts represent the next frontier in mechanical circulatory support.
- Advancements in TAH technology promise improved outcomes for complex heart failure.
- TAHs aim to become an off-the-shelf solution for biventricular and univentricular failure.
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