New permanent total artificial heart device to be developed

Researchers are working to develop a prototype version of a new permanent total artificial heart system with long-term potential.

A team from Oregon Health and Science University are creating a simple device that replaces two ventricles with one titanium tube containing a titanium alloy-coated hollow rod that shuttles back and forth, moving blood to the lungs and back throughout the body.

It is powered by a combined controller and rechargeable battery pack that can be easily carried, with researchers hoping to further improve the battery's efficiency and design to allow it to be implanted under the skin and recharged from the outside.

This device is unique in that it creates a blood flow that mimics a natural human pulse, rather than pumping blood in a continuous flow. This minimises blood damage, reduces the risk of blood clotting, and may reduce the risk of complications such as gastrointestinal bleeding and stroke.

Dr Sanjiv Kaul, professor of cardiovascular medicine at the Oregon Health and Science University School of Medicine, said: "Considering the human heart beats 14 million times a year, it's crucial that an artificial heart is durable and robust. The simple, efficient design of our total artificial heart makes its potential for failure very low."

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