Major Breakthrough: Scientists Successfully Implant Titanium Heart

In a significant advancement in artificial heart transplants, scientists at the Texas Heart Institute (THI) successfully implanted a “titanium-constructed” heart. This operation was part of an early feasibility study overseen by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA). According to THI, the heart is a titanium biventricular rotary blood pump with a single moving part. It uses a magnetically levitated rotor to pump blood, replacing both ventricles of a failing heart.

Manufactured by BiVACOR, the device incorporates the same technology used in high-speed rail lines. BiVACOR has been developing this heart since 2013.

The key advantage of the titanium heart, which uses a magnetically levitated rotor, is the absence of friction. This reduces wear and tear, thereby extending the heart’s lifespan.

The heart is powered by a small rechargeable external controller and can pump blood at a rate of 12 liters per minute, sufficient for an adult.

Unlike other artificial hearts that use flexible polymer diaphragms to pump blood and wear out quickly, the titanium heart’s components are more durable.

“This achievement would not have been possible without the courage of our first patient and their family, the dedication of our team, and our expert collaborators at The Texas Heart Institute,” said Daniel Timms, founder and CTO of BiVACOR.

“Using advanced maglev technology, our TAH brings us closer to providing a much-needed option for people with end-stage heart failure who need support while waiting for a heart transplant. I look forward to continuing the next phase of our clinical trial.”

Despite these benefits, the titanium heart is designed strictly for patients awaiting a permanent heart transplant.

According to the American Heart Association, approximately 3,400 heart patients in the United States are waiting for a permanent transplant each day.