FIRST EVER TITANIUM HEART HAS SUCCESSFULLY BEEN IMPLANTED INTO A HUMAN

Though it may sound like a plot point from a science fiction film, the Texas Heart Institute (THI), Baylor St. Luke's Medical Center, Baylor College of Medicine, and BiVACOR®, a clinical-stage medical device company, have made the idea of a mechanical heart a reality. The first successful in-human implantation of the BiVACOR Total Artificial Heart (TAH) has recently been announced by the group. Using a magnetically levitated rotor, it efficiently pumps blood throughout the body to assist those suffering from end-stage heart failure. Because there are no valves in the compact design, it is less prone to wear and tear and more resilient. 

Because of its capacity to pump up to 3 gallons (12 litres) per minute through the lungs and body, the titanium heart can adapt to a patient's activity level and even allow them to exercise. This is made possible by the titanium heart's smart controller. The implantation took place as a component of a feasibility study authorised by the FDA. The mechanical heart's usability for patients with severe heart failure, for whom conventional devices are not advised, is being tested in this study. Encouraging these individuals to live better lives while they wait for a heart transplant is the aim. 

Dr. Daniel Timms, chief technology officer and founder of BiVACOR, says he is "incredibly proud to witness the successful first-in-human implant of our TAH." Without the bravery of our first patient and their family, the commitment of our team, and our knowledgeable partners at The Texas Heart Institute, this accomplishment would not have been possible.

"By employing cutting-edge MAGLEV technology, our TAH moves us one step closer to offering a much-needed alternative for patients with end-stage heart failure who need assistance while awaiting a heart transplant."

As per the World Heart Federation, heart failure is the primary cause of hospitalization worldwide, impacting over 64 million individuals. Despite the fact that heart failure is curable, inadequate treatment causes over half of those who are diagnosed with it to pass away within five years. This makes medical devices like the TAH—which can act as a bridge in care—even more important.

"The BiVACOR TAH offers a beacon of hope for countless patients awaiting a heart transplant, with heart failure continuing to be a leading cause of mortality globally," stated Dr. Joseph Rogers, National Principal Investigator of the research and President and CEO of THI.

In an attempt to determine whether the implant can be safely expanded to a larger population and receive complete FDA approval, four additional patients will also receive the implant following this first successful surgery.