An Australian man has made history by surviving for 100 days with an artificial titanium heart while waiting for a donor transplant, as reported by CNN on March 12. The patient, who is in his 40s, underwent surgery at St Vincent's Hospital in Sydney in November 2024 and is believed to be the first individual globally to leave the hospital with this device in February.

Cardiovascular diseases remain the leading cause of mortality worldwide, claiming 17.9 million lives annually, according to the World Health Organization. The artificial heart may provide a viable long-term solution for individuals experiencing heart failure.

How the artificial heart works

As stated in a hospital announcement referenced by CNN, the artificial heart, created by BiVACOR, is an innovative device that has demonstrated encouraging results in maintaining the patient's life until a donor heart is available. The device is still undergoing trials and has not yet received approval for widespread use.

The BiVACOR Total Artificial Heart (TAH) is said to feature a single moving component, a levitated rotor stabilized by magnets. True to its name, it is made of titanium and lacks valves or mechanical bearings that could be prone to wear. It functions by pumping blood to both the body and the lungs, effectively replacing the two ventricles of a failing heart.

Why the successful trial matters

This advancement has generated optimism for those on the waiting list for heart transplants, and the device's creator, Dr. Daniel Timms, is excited to witness the realization of his long-term efforts. Australian bioengineer Daniel Timms, who developed the device following his father's death from heart disease, expressed his exhilaration at seeing years of dedication come to fruition.

In a statement, he remarked, “The entire BiVACOR team is profoundly thankful to the patient and his family for their trust in our Total Artificial Heart. Their courage will open doors for many more patients to access this life-saving technology.”

Professor Chris Hayward of the Victor Chang Cardiac Research Institute informed CNN that the BiVACOR heart represents a significant advancement in the field of heart transplants. He stated, "In the coming decade, we can expect the artificial heart to serve as a viable option for patients who cannot wait for a donor heart or when a donor heart is not accessible."

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