Total artificial hearts

Definition

Total artificial hearts are mechanical devices that completely replace the function of a failing heart, providing life-sustaining blood circulation throughout the body. These devices are typically used for patients with end-stage heart failure, where traditional treatments like medications or heart transplants are not viable options. By mimicking the heart's pumping action, total artificial hearts help maintain vital organ function until a suitable donor heart is available or as a long-term solution for patients who cannot undergo transplantation.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Total artificial hearts were first successfully implanted in patients in the 1980s, with significant advancements in technology since then improving their functionality and patient outcomes.
2. These devices can be powered by batteries and are designed to last several years, allowing patients to maintain a degree of mobility and quality of life while living with the device.
3. Current models of total artificial hearts include the SynCardia Temporary Total Artificial Heart and the Carmat Heart, each having unique features and indications for use.
4. Patients with total artificial hearts require careful monitoring and regular follow-ups to manage potential complications such as infections or device malfunctions.
5. Total artificial hearts can serve as either a bridge to transplant or as destination therapy for patients who are not candidates for heart transplantation.

Review Questions

• How do total artificial hearts compare to ventricular assist devices in terms of function and application?
  • Total artificial hearts completely replace the heart's pumping function, while ventricular assist devices (VADs) assist the remaining heart by helping it pump blood. Total artificial hearts are typically used for patients with end-stage heart failure who cannot receive a transplant, acting as a definitive solution, whereas VADs are often employed as a temporary measure until a transplant can be performed. Both devices aim to improve cardiac output but serve different roles based on patient needs.
• What are the major considerations and challenges associated with the implantation of total artificial hearts?
  • The implantation of total artificial hearts involves various considerations, including patient selection, surgical risks, and potential complications post-surgery. Surgeons must assess whether a patient is a suitable candidate based on overall health and comorbidities. After surgery, patients face challenges such as managing anticoagulation therapy to prevent blood clots, monitoring for infections at the implantation site, and ensuring proper device function through regular check-ups.
• Evaluate the impact of total artificial hearts on the treatment landscape for heart failure patients and their potential role in future cardiac care.
  • Total artificial hearts have significantly transformed the treatment landscape for heart failure patients by providing an alternative solution when conventional treatments fail. Their ability to offer both short-term bridging to transplantation and long-term support has expanded options for patients with severe heart conditions. Looking ahead, ongoing advancements in technology may lead to more sophisticated designs that improve functionality, reduce complications, and enhance quality of life, potentially making total artificial hearts a more common choice in cardiac care.

Related terms

ventricular assist device (VAD): A mechanical pump that helps a weakened heart pump blood, often used as a temporary solution while waiting for a heart transplant.

heart transplant: A surgical procedure in which a diseased heart is replaced with a healthy donor heart, often considered the gold standard for treating severe heart failure.

cardiac output: The amount of blood the heart pumps in one minute, an important measurement for assessing heart function and effectiveness of treatments.