French scientists have enlisted the same technology used in airplanes and satellites to build a better artificial heart than those currently available. So far, the heart has only been tested on animals, but scientists hope that it can one day be used in place of human heart transplants.
The heart maker is a subsidiary of the parent company of Airbus, the European Aeronautic Defense and Space Co., or EADS. The heart functions in a similar manner to airplanes, able to anticipate the need of it’s patient and adjust to react accordingly. Although scientists in other countries, including South Korea and the United States, have been working on artificial hearts, the French company’s version is the first one able to adjust to different conditions. America-based company Abiomed already has an artificial heart on the market, which has been FDA approved.
"It's the same principle in the airplane as in the body," said Patrick Coulombier, chief operating officer of Carmat, the manufacturer. He explains that the same technology that measures altitude and pressure detect the heart's pumping speed and the pressure on its walls.
The Abiomed heart sells for up to $250,000 and has extended the lives of heart patients up to 5 months. The French heart is expected to sell for $192,140.
It is the first heart with two valves, like a natural heart, and the first that adjusts its pumping speed. Previous artificial hearts have been temporary measures designed for use before a transplant.
With the new version, there are hopes that it can be used longer-term. The heart is made of natural materials including polymer and pig tissue, which have already been used in heart valves implanted into people and have not had rejection problems.
"Virtually all devices that have been implanted in humans, no matter how well designed, have been associated with unforeseen complications," said Dr. Tim Gardner, president of the American Heart Association.
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