What is Artificial heart?
An artificial heart, also known as mechanical or synthetic heart, is a medical device designed to temporarily replace the function of a natural human heart in individuals with end-stage heart failure. It is a mechanical device that functions like a biological heart by pumping blood throughout the body.
Overview / Product Profile of Artificial heart:
When a patient is waiting for a heart transplant, an artificial heart is meant to act as a temporary substitute until a proper donor is found. It can aid in maintaining blood flow, supplying the body's organs and tissues with oxygen and nutrition, and removing waste items.
Here are the main components typically found in an artificial heart:
1) Pumping Mechanism: A pumping mechanism that mimics the function of the natural heart is the foundation of an artificial heart. To pump blood throughout the body, it has one or two ventricles that contract and relax. Typically, plastics, synthetic materials, and metal alloys are used to create the pumping mechanism.
2) Control Unit: To regulate its operation, an artificial heart needs a control unit. The pumping action of the device is monitored and controlled by the control unit, which is made up of electronic sensors, processors, and software. It guarantees that the mechanical heart responds to the body's demands adequately and maintains a steady blood flow.
3) Power supply: In order to function, artificial hearts need a power supply. The power is often delivered by an external cable attached to an external power pack or a power transfer device worn externally. Rechargeable batteries are also used as a power source in some artificial hearts.
4) Cannulas and Valves: Small tubes known as cannulas connect the mechanical heart to the body's main blood veins, allowing blood to enter and exit the device. The prosthetic heart has valves that regulate blood flow and stop backflow.
5) Sensors: Artificial hearts may include various sensors to monitor important parameters such as blood pressure, flow rate, and oxygen levels. This information helps the control unit adjust the pumping action of the device to meet the body's needs.
Dimensions:
Artificial hearts are typically shaped like a human heart and are designed to fit within the chest cavity.
Length:
Artificial heart's length generally ranges from 10-12 cm.
Width:
Artificial heart's width generally ranges from 8-10 cm.
Height:
Artificial heart's height generally ranges from 5-7 cm.
Weight:
Artificial hearts also have a weight associated with them, which is usually measured in grams (g). The weight of an artificial heart can range from 200 to 400 grams.
Total Volume:
Artificial hearts are typically measured in terms of their total volume. The volume refers to the size of the device and is often expressed in millilitres (ml). The total volume can vary, but it is typically in the range of 50-100 ml.
Note: The above dimensions may vary slightly depending on the manufacturer and specific design of the device. It's always advisable to consult with the manufacturer's specifications and guidance for accurate measurements.
Uses of Artificial heart:
1) Bridge to Transplant: Patients awaiting heart transplants may use artificial hearts as a temporary fix. While a patient is waiting for a transplant, they assist with maintaining blood circulation and keeping them alive.
2) Destination Therapy: An artificial heart can be utilised as a long-term option to support heart function and enhance the patient's quality of life in situations when a heart transplant is not practical or the patient is ineligible.
3) Cardiac Recovery: Patients who suffer from serious heart failure or cardiac injury might use artificial hearts to give their native hearts time to rest and recover. Artificial hearts can offer temporary support while the patient's own heart heals by helping the heart's pumping action.
4) Research and Development: Artificial hearts are valuable tools for studying and advancing our understanding of heart function and cardiovascular diseases. They can be used in research laboratories and clinical trials to test new medical technologies, study physiological responses, and improve future treatment options.
5) Training and Education: Artificial hearts are used in medical education and training programs to simulate realistic scenarios for healthcare professionals. They help train surgeons, cardiologists, and other medical personnel in the skills required for implantation and management of artificial heart devices.
6) Emergency Situations: In rare cases where a patient's heart suddenly fails and immediate access to a donor heart is not possible, an artificial heart can be used as a temporary emergency measure to stabilise the patient until a suitable solution is found.
7) Experimental Treatments: Artificial hearts are occasionally employed as experimental treatments in situations where traditional therapy have proven ineffective or inappropriate. These situations are usually restricted and closely watched in an effort to offer a potential substitute or purchase time until other possibilities are available.
Types of Artificial heart:
There are different types of artificial hearts that have been developed and used over the years. Here are some common types:
Total Artificial Heart (TAH):
The total artificial heart is a device that replaces both the left and right ventricles of the heart. It is typically used as a bridge to transplantation for patients awaiting a heart transplant. TAHs have two artificial ventricles that pump blood throughout the body. One example of a TAH is the SynCardia temporary Total Artificial Heart.
Left Ventricular Assist Device (LVAD):
An LVAD is a mechanical pump that is implanted in the chest and helps the left ventricle (the main pumping chamber of the heart) to pump blood to the rest of the body. It is commonly used as a bridge to transplantation or as destination therapy for patients who are not eligible for a heart transplant. Examples of LVADs include HeartMate II and HeartWare HVAD.
Right Ventricular Assist Device (RVAD):
Similar to an LVAD, an RVAD is a mechanical pump that supports the right ventricle of the heart. It is often used in combination with an LVAD when both sides of the heart need assistance. The combination of LVAD and RVAD is called a BiVAD (Biventricular Assist Device).
Percutaneous Ventricular Assist Device (PVAD):
PVADs are temporary mechanical devices that can be inserted into the heart through minimally invasive procedures, without the need for open-heart surgery. They provide short-term support to the failing heart until the patient's condition stabilizes or a more permanent solution can be implemented. Examples of PVADs include Impella and TandemHeart.
Precautions with Artificial heart:
Here are some general precautions that individuals with an artificial heart may need to take:
1) Regular medical check-ups: Regular visits to the healthcare provider are crucial to monitor the functioning of the artificial heart and ensure that it is working properly.
2) Medication adherence: Patients may need to take medications to prevent blood clots, manage blood pressure, and control any underlying conditions. It is essential to follow the prescribed medication regimen and consult the healthcare provider before making any changes.
3) Infection prevention: Artificial heart patients should be vigilant about preventing infections. This includes maintaining good hygiene, washing hands frequently, keeping the surgical site clean and dry, and avoiding contact with individuals who have contagious illnesses.
4) Physical activity: Engaging in regular physical activity is important for overall health and well-being. However, individuals with an artificial heart should consult their healthcare provider regarding the appropriate level and type of exercise or physical activity suitable for their condition.
5) Lifestyle modifications: Depending on the individual's specific situation, certain lifestyle modifications may be necessary. These may include changes in diet, restrictions on alcohol consumption, smoking cessation, and weight management.
6) Emotional well-being: Living with an artificial heart can be emotionally challenging. It is important to seek support from family, friends, or support groups to cope with any psychological or emotional difficulties that may arise.
7) Device maintenance: Patients should carefully follow the instructions provided by the healthcare team regarding the maintenance and care of the artificial heart device. This may include regular cleaning, charging, and replacement of specific parts as needed.
8) Emergency preparedness: Patients should be aware of the signs of device malfunction or other medical emergencies. They should have a plan in place for immediate medical assistance and know how to troubleshoot common issues with the artificial heart.
History of Artificial heart:
The development of artificial hearts has been a fascinating journey in the field of medical technology. Although the idea of an artificial heart has been around since the early 20th century, significant developments only started to happen in the second half of the century. The first successful mechanical cardiac implant, sometimes known as the "Hufnagel valve," was put in a patient in 1952 by Dr. Charles Hufnagel. This initial attempt, meanwhile, was not entirely successful.
In the 1960s, Dr. Paul Winchell and Dr. Robert Jarvik made significant contributions to the artificial heart's evolution. Dr. Winchell developed a partial artificial heart, while Dr. Jarvik created the Jarvik-7, a complete artificial heart. The Jarvik-7 gained widespread attention when it was implanted into a patient named Barney Clark in 1982, marking the first successful long-term implantation of an artificial heart. Although Clark survived for only 112 days, this breakthrough sparked further research and innovation in the field.
More advanced artificial heart systems have been created over time as a result of technological and material advancements. For patients awaiting heart transplants, continuous-flow ventricular assist devices (VADs) have become the standard option. By continually pumping blood, these devices—like the HeartMate II and HeartMate 3, provided dependable support to failing hearts. They increased patients' survival time and considerably raised their quality of life as they awaited heart transplants.
In recent years, scientists and engineers have been exploring the potential of bioengineered hearts. These hearts are created using a patient's own cells, eliminating the risk of rejection. Researchers have made notable progress in the field of tissue engineering, successfully creating small-scale functional heart tissues and even 3D-printing heart structures. While bioengineered hearts are still in the experimental stages, they hold tremendous promise for the future of artificial heart transplantation.
The development of artificial hearts is an excellent illustration of the amazing developments in medical science and the arduous work of scientists and doctors. These advancements, which range from early crude designs to contemporary VADs and bioengineered hearts, have revolutionised the treatment of heart failure and given hope to countless people all over the world. The mechanical heart will definitely continue to advance with continuous research and new discoveries, greatly enhancing the lives of people who require life-saving cardiac treatments.
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