Australian Man Survives Over 100 Days with Titanium Artificial Heart in a Medical Breakthrough
An Australian man in his 40s has achieved a medical milestone by living more than 100 days with a titanium artificial heart, making history in cardiac healthcare.
The man, who wishes to remain anonymous, received the implant at St. Vincent’s Hospital in Sydney in November 2024 as a temporary measure while awaiting a donor heart.
The titanium heart, known as the Total Artificial Heart (TAH), was developed by BiVACOR and features advanced technology with a single moving part — a magnetically suspended rotor.
By replacing both heart ventricles, this design reduces wear and tear compared to earlier models.
His survival with the device continued until early March, when a donor organ was secured, enabling a successful transplant.
According to CNN, Professor Chris Hayward of the Victor Chang Cardiac Research Institute, who has been involved in the TAH’s clinical trials and the patient’s care, noted the device’s significance.
“Within the next decade, we will see the artificial heart becoming the alternative for patients who are unable to wait for a donor heart or when a donor heart is simply not available.”
Meanwhile, the TAH has already begun to transform lives in the United States, where it has received FDA approval.
In July 2024, a 58-year-old man in Texas used the device for eight days before receiving a donor heart. Furthermore, a total of five patients in the United States have benefited from this cutting-edge technology so far.
