Brisbane: An Australian man lived 100 days with an artificial titanium heart before receiving a donor transplant.
The patient, in his 40s, had surgery at St. Vincent’s Hospital Sydney in November.
He became the first person worldwide to leave the hospital with this device in February.
The device kept him alive until a donor heart was available earlier this month.
Doctors confirm he is now recovering well after the transplant.
Revolutionary Device
The BiVACOR Total Artificial Heart has a levitated rotor held in place by magnets.
Made from titanium, it replaces both ventricles of a failing heart.
It lacks valves or mechanical bearings, reducing wear and tear risks.
The device pumps blood to the body and lungs, mimicking a natural heart.
The technology is still under trial and not yet approved for general use.
A Life-Saving Invention
BiVACOR’s founder, Daniel Timms, created the device after his father’s death from heart disease.
Timms said it was exhilarating to see years of research becoming reality.
He thanked the patient and his family for trusting this breakthrough technology.
Doctors believe this artificial heart could be a long-term option for heart failure patients.
The aim is to help patients waiting for donor hearts or those ineligible for transplants.
A Global Problem
Heart disease is the leading global cause of death, killing 18 million people yearly.
In 2024, about 3,500 heart transplants occurred, while 4,400 new patients joined the waitlist.
Professor Chris Hayward says artificial hearts could change transplant treatments within a decade.
The device provides hope for those unable to wait for a donor.
The Australian patient’s recovery is closely monitored by heart specialists.
Previous Trials
The device was tested in a U.S. feasibility study, with five successful implantations.
The first patient, a 58-year-old, survived eight days with the device before a transplant.
Four more patients received the device while waiting for a donor heart.
Doctors continue trials to examine the safety and performance of this groundbreaking technology.
The trial aims to expand to 15 patients for further study.
Future Plans
The Australian implant is part of Monash University’s $31 million Artificial Heart Frontiers Program.
The program aims to develop and commercialize devices to treat heart failure.
Scientists believe these innovations could soon become a viable alternative to transplants.
The success of this case boosts hopes for wider use in life-threatening heart conditions.
Experts predict artificial hearts may soon transform the future of cardiac care.
