Approaches to the artificial heart. Invited speaker

Area of Science:

• Biomedical Engineering
• Cardiovascular Devices
• Artificial Organs

Background:

• The implantable artificial heart has progressed over 20 years, moving from concept to devices supporting circulation for over 5 months.
• Early challenges included thromboembolism and device breakage; current limitations in animal models are infection, valve obstruction, and calcification.
• Air-powered artificial hearts have limited clinical use due to bulky components and infection risk, primarily for heart transplant candidates.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review the evolution and current status of implantable artificial hearts.
• To discuss the development of permanently implantable, electrically driven artificial hearts.
• To highlight the potential for
• off-the-shelf
• devices for end-stage heart disease.

Main Methods:

• Review of historical development and current research in artificial heart technology.
• Focus on advancements in energy conversion and power sources, moving from nuclear to electrical systems.
• Bench testing and preparation for long-term animal studies of electrically driven devices.

Main Results:

• Artificial hearts can now support circulation for extended periods (over 5 months in animal studies).
• Electrically driven artificial hearts utilizing samarium-cobalt magnet brushless direct-current motors are under development.
• Nuclear-powered systems have been largely abandoned due to cost and safety concerns.

Conclusions:

• Significant progress has been made in artificial heart technology, addressing previous limitations.
• Electrically powered artificial hearts represent the future for permanent cardiac replacement.
• The goal is to provide readily available artificial hearts for patients with severe, non-repairable heart conditions.