Total artificial heart: From bridge to transplantation to permanent use

Background. Pneumatic artificial hearts have played an important role in supporting the circulation in patients before cardiac transplantation. Pneumatic hearts have also been used for permanent cardiac replacement, but most agree they have serious limitations. Methods. Several groups are now developing electric artificial hearts in which electrical energy crosses the skin using a wireless technique. The electrical energy powers a small direct-current motor, which actuates the blood pump. Results. Important progress in these devices has resulted in animal survival with electric hearts of more than 1 year. Conclusions. Extensive bench testing and animal testing will be performed before the initial clinical use of these devices will be initiated. One of the early scientific achievements of the 21st century will be the initial use of the electric artificial heart in humans.