Last Updated:March 14, 2025, 19:17 is

An Australian man set a medical milestone by living 100 days with a titanium artificial heart while waiting for a transplant.

An Australian man has made medical history by surviving for 100 days with an artificial titanium heart while awaiting a donor transplant, CNN reported on March 12. The patient, in his 40s, underwent surgery at St Vincent’s Hospital in Sydney in November 2024. In February, he became the first person in the world to be discharged from the hospital with the device, marking a significant milestone in the field of cardiac medicine.

A Groundbreaking Solution for Heart Failure

Cardiovascular diseases are the leading cause of death globally, accounting for 17.9 million lives lost each year, according to the World Health Organization. For many patients suffering from end-stage heart failure, the wait for a donor heart can be long and uncertain. The development of an artificial heart offers new hope, providing a potential long-term alternative to heart transplants and increasing survival chances for those in critical condition.

How the Artificial Heart Works

The artificial heart, developed by BiVACOR, represents a breakthrough in medical technology. It is currently undergoing clinical trials and has yet to be approved for widespread use. Unlike traditional mechanical heart pumps, which often rely on multiple moving parts that can wear out over time, BiVACOR’s Total Artificial Heart (TAH) features a single moving component—a magnetically levitated rotor. This rotor, made of titanium, is suspended by magnets, eliminating the need for valves or mechanical bearings. The device efficiently pumps blood to both the body and the lungs, effectively replacing both ventricles of a failing heart.

A New Era for Heart Transplants

This groundbreaking trial has ignited hope within the medical community, with the potential to transform heart failure treatment. According to CNN, Australian bioengineer Dr. Daniel Timms, the founder of BiVACOR, developed the artificial heart in response to his father’s passing from heart disease. Speaking about the success of the device, he described it as a thrilling milestone and expressed profound gratitude to the patient and their family for placing their trust in the technology. Timms emphasised that their bravery would help pave the way for many future patients to benefit from this life-saving innovation.

Professor Chris Hayward from the Victor Chang Cardiac Research Institute emphasised the significance of this achievement, calling it a “game-changer” for heart transplants. He predicted that within the next decade, artificial hearts could become a routine alternative for patients who either cannot wait for a donor heart or for whom a donor is simply unavailable.

This medical breakthrough marks a major step forward in the treatment of heart failure, offering hope to millions of patients worldwide. If further trials continue to yield positive results, artificial hearts may soon become a standard solution for those in need of life-saving cardiac intervention.

Symptoms of Heart Failure

Heart failure occurs when the heart is unable to pump enough blood to meet the body’s demands, leading to various symptoms that can develop gradually or appear suddenly. Common signs include difficulty breathing, which may worsen with physical activity or when lying flat, as well as persistent fatigue and weakness.

Swelling in the legs, ankles, feet, and abdomen due to fluid retention is also a common indicator. Individuals may experience a rapid or irregular heartbeat, reduced ability to exercise, and persistent wheezing or coughing, sometimes producing white or pink mucus with traces of blood.

Sudden weight gain due to fluid buildup, nausea, and loss of appetite may also occur. Additionally, some people report trouble concentrating, confusion, or decreased mental alertness. In cases where heart failure results from a heart attack, chest pain may be present. If any of these symptoms worsen or become severe, immediate medical attention is necessary.

Preventing Heart Failure

Heart failure can often be prevented by managing and treating underlying health conditions that contribute to its development, such as coronary artery disease, high blood pressure, diabetes, and obesity. Adopting a heart-healthy lifestyle plays a crucial role in reducing the risk of heart failure.

To protect your heart and overall well-being, consider the following preventive measures.

• Avoid smoking – Quitting smoking helps improve heart function and reduces the risk of cardiovascular diseases.
• Stay physically active – Engage in regular exercise to strengthen the heart and improve circulation.
• Follow a nutritious diet – Choose a balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins while minimizing processed foods and excess salt.
• Maintain a healthy weight – Keeping your weight in a healthy range reduces strain on the heart.
• Manage stress effectively – Practice relaxation techniques such as meditation, deep breathing, or yoga to lower stress levels.
• Take prescribed medications as directed – If you have conditions like high blood pressure or diabetes, following your doctor’s instructions and taking medications properly can help prevent complications.

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