AbioCor

Since the 1960s, artificial hearts have come a long way. Scientists have invented the AbioCor artificial heart which uses hydraulic pressure to pump blood between two chambers, simulating the effect of the human heart. Created by Abiomed in 2001, this artificial heart is implanted during a procedure where the diseased heart is cut out and the arteries are clamped onto the unit. Wires are ran down near the abdomen where the controller and battery are located. This allows an external battery to power the system. Unfortunately, there are problems with system such as the size and longevity of the system; although it has allowed patients to live as long as 17 months. Scientists know there are ways to make the system better, so researchers are working on the potentially deadly problems to help increase the life expectancy of patients with the AbioCor heart. Once all the problems are solved, artificial hearts will be used to save people more around the world.


The AbioCor artificial heart