The heart is one of the most important organs in the human body, responsible for pumping blood and oxygen to every part. However, it is also one of the most vulnerable, with heart disease remaining the leading cause of death worldwide.

Heart disease can happen to anyone, but there are those who are at higher risk due to genetics, lifestyle choices, and age.

For those with end-stage heart disease, a heart transplant is often the only option. However, there is a limited supply of donor hearts, and many patients die while waiting for a suitable donor.

This has led to the development of implantable artificial hearts, which can act as a bridge until a suitable donor becomes available or serve as a permanent solution.

What are implantable artificial hearts?

Implantable artificial hearts are devices designed to replace the function of the human heart. These devices are surgically implanted into the patient’s chest, where they assume the role of the damaged or failing heart.

There are two main types of artificial hearts:.

Left ventricular assist devices (LVADs)

LVADs are designed to support the left side of the heart, which is responsible for pumping blood to the rest of the body. These devices are implanted into the chest and are connected to the heart’s left ventricle and aorta.

The LVAD works by drawing blood from the left ventricle into a pump, and then pushing it out to the aorta, bypassing the damaged or weakened heart. LVADs are often used as a bridge to transplant for those waiting for a donor heart.

Total artificial hearts (TAHs)

TAHs are designed to replace the entire heart and are used in patients with end-stage heart failure when all other treatments have failed. These devices are implanted into the chest and are connected to the body’s blood vessels.

TAHs work by pumping blood from the body into the device, and then back out to the body, replacing the function of the damaged heart entirely.

The history of artificial hearts

The idea of creating an artificial heart has been around for centuries.

The first recorded attempt to create an artificial heart was in 1628 when English physician William Harvey conducted experiments involving the transfusion of blood from animals into humans. In the 1930s, scientists began experimenting with artificial heart valves, with the first successful replacement of a human heart valve occurring in 1952. The first LVAD was implanted in a patient in 1989, and the first TAH in 1982.

The advantages of implantable artificial hearts

There are several advantages to implantable artificial hearts:.

Reduced mortality – For patients with end-stage heart disease, an implantable artificial heart can significantly increase their chances of survival. Studies have shown that the survival rate for patients with LVADs is around 80%, while those with TAHs have a survival rate of up to 80% at the one-year mark.
Better quality of life – Patients with implantable artificial hearts often experience a better quality of life than those waiting for a donor heart. With an artificial heart, they can go home and resume normal activities, while those waiting for a donor heart must remain in the hospital.
Less dependency on medication – Patients with implantable artificial hearts often require less medication to manage their heart disease, reducing the risk of side effects and complications.
Increased donor pool – Implantable artificial hearts decrease the demand for donor hearts, reducing the number of patients who die while waiting for a donor heart to become available.

The disadvantages of implantable artificial hearts

While there are many advantages to implantable artificial hearts, there are also several disadvantages:.

Risk of infection – Implantable artificial hearts require surgery, which increases the risk of infection. Patients with artificial hearts must take special precautions to reduce the risk of infection, such as avoiding contact with people with contagious illnesses and being vigilant about personal hygiene.
Cost – Implantable artificial hearts are expensive, with the cost of surgery and device ranging from $100,000 to $500,000. The cost of managing an artificial heart also adds to the overall cost of treatment.
Limited battery life – Implantable artificial hearts rely on batteries to operate, which must be replaced every few years. The need for battery replacements adds to the cost of maintenance and increases the risk of complications.
Complications – Implantable artificial hearts can cause complications such as bleeding, stroke, and device malfunction. These complications can be life-threatening and require prompt medical attention.

The future of implantable artificial hearts

Despite the disadvantages, the development of implantable artificial hearts is an exciting area of innovation in cardiology.

Researchers are constantly exploring new ways to develop better and more efficient devices that minimize the risk of complications and improve patient outcomes. Here are some recent developments in the field:.

1. 3D-printed hearts

Recently, scientists have been able to create 3D-printed heart models that mimic the function of a human heart.

This technology provides a platform for testing new synthetic materials and heart designs and may lead to the creation of better implantable devices with longer battery life and fewer complications.

2. Gene therapy

Gene therapy involves the introduction of genes into the body to treat or prevent a disease. Researchers are exploring the use of gene therapy in cardiology to improve heart function and reduce the need for implantable artificial hearts.

3. Machine learning algorithms

Machine learning algorithms can analyze data from millions of patients and identify patterns that can improve the diagnosis and treatment of cardiac disease.

These algorithms can help doctors predict which patients are at risk of heart disease and provide personalized treatment recommendations.

4. Nanotechnology

Nanotechnology involves the manipulation of matter at the atomic and molecular level. Researchers are exploring the use of nanotechnology in cardiology to develop better heart pumps and coatings that reduce the risk of infection and blood clotting.

Conclusion

Implantable artificial hearts have come a long way in the last few decades, providing hope to patients with end-stage heart disease.

While there are still some disadvantages to these devices, ongoing research and development in the field suggest that the future of implantable artificial hearts is promising.