Artificial heart

An artificial heart is a device that is implanted into the body to replace the original biological heart. It is distinct from a cardiac pump, which is an external device used to provide the functions of both the heart and the lungs. Thus, the cardiac pump need not be connected to both blood circuits. Also, a cardiac pump is only suitable for use not longer than a few hours, while for the artificial heart the current record is 17 months.

External links

• {{US patent|4173796}} -- Total artificial hearts and cardiac assist devices powered and controlled by reversible electrohydraulic energy converters
• AbioMed Home Page
• Evolution of Artificial Heart Technology
• Pacer Stacktrain
• Thoratec Home Page
• Ventracor
• http://www.cnn.com/2005/SHOWBIZ/Movies/06/26/obit.winchell.ap/index.html