Heart failure is one of the most prominent causes of death worldwide. And for a lot of patients with advanced heart disease, a heart transplant surgery is the only long-term solution.
However, the number of heart donors is limited, and thousands of patients continue to wait for a suitable match. And to bridge this gap, medical science has developed life-saving technologies such as the artificial heart. This is a mechanical device designed to support or replace the pumping function of a failing heart.
These innovations truly highlight how modern medical science can replicate vital biological processes. But the question remains: how exactly does an artificial heart work? Well, let’s find out below!
What is an Artificial Heart?
Understanding what an artificial heart is begins with its basic function. An artificial heart is a mechanical device designed to replace the heart’s pumping action when it fails to do so naturally. The device is surgically implanted in the chest and takes over the heart’s role as it replaces the ventricles.
According to several studies by the U.S. National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute (NHLBI), a total artificial heart can replace the damaged ventricles and help pump blood to the lungs and the rest of the body. This allows patients with severe heart failure to maintain circulation while waiting for a transplant.
This device functions as an artificial heart pump, helping push blood to the lungs for oxygen and then circulate it throughout the body. For proper blood flow, the system also uses components similar to an artificial heart valve.
By maintaining steady blood circulation, an artificial heart can support patients with severe heart failure while they await further treatment, such as a heart transplant.
In certain treatment plans, the artificial pacemaker of heart may also be used to regulate abnormal heart rhythms and support overall cardiac function.
How Does an Artificial Heart Work?
To understand how this device works will require us to look at how it mimics the heart’s natural pumping process. These are designed to replicate the ventricles’ role and maintain steady blood circulation throughout the body.
These are a few things it does:
1. Ventricle Replacement
In a natural heart, the ventricles pump blood to the lungs and the rest of the body. This device replaces these pumping chambers when they become severely damaged. Once an artificial heart is implanted in the chest, it takes over the function of moving blood through the circulatory system.
2. Controlling the Blood Flow
Artificial hearts contain specially designed valves that help regulate the blood flow direction. These artificial valves work in a similar way to natural ones and help open and close themselves with each pump cycle. Different types of artificial heart valves are not used as valves are integrated within the artificial heart to ensure the blood moves efficiently without flowing backwards.
3. Powered By an External Driver
The artificial heart is powered by a machine known as a driver. This device sends pneumatic pressure through tubes connected to the artificial heart, allowing it to pump blood in rhythmic cycles that resemble a natural heartbeat.
4. Continuous Blood Circulation Process
With each pump cycle in the device, blood is pushed to the lungs to pick up oxygen, then circulated to the rest of the body through the arteries. Many modern systems use a portable driver, which allows patients greater mobility while the artificial heart maintains continuous blood circulation.
Artificial Heart Cost: What Determines Its Price?
The artificial heart cost can be significant because the procedure involves advanced medical technology, specialised cardiac surgery, and intensive post-operative care.
Globally, the cost of an artificial heart transplant can range from $100,000 to over $200,000, depending upon the technology used and the complexity of the surgery. In India, the procedure may still cost several lakhs of rupees due to specialised equipment, hospital infrastructure, and expert cardiac teams required for the operation.
A lot of factors influence the cost of the device, including:
- Type and technology of the artificial heart device
- Hospital facilities and intensive care support
- Surgeon and medical team expertise
- Length of hospital stay and recovery care
- Follow-up monitoring, medications, and device maintenance
Not only the operation but the procedure also requires post-operative care since patients may require regular check-ups and device management until a donor heart transplant becomes available.
Conclusion
Artificial hearts represent a remarkable advancement in modern medicine. It offers life-saving support to people with severe heart failure.
By replacing the pumping function of damaged ventricles, these devices help maintain blood circulation and keep patients stable while awaiting further treatment, such as a transplant.
A common question patients ask is how long can you live with an artificial heart, and while outcomes vary, these devices can sustain life for months or even years, depending on medical conditions and treatment plans.
