Have you ever heard of an 'artificial heart'? Maybe you've seen it in a movie. But do you really know what it is, who needs it, and how it works? Today, we'll talk simply about this amazing device that helps keep someone with severely impaired heart function alive until a new heart can be transplanted.
Simply put, what is an artificial heart?
An artificial heart is a mechanical pump that is implanted in the body when the two lower chambers of your heart, called the ventricles, are not working properly. Our hearts have two such chambers, the left and right ventricles. When a total artificial heart is implanted, both of these chambers are removed and this device is implanted in their place.
So, what your heart cells can't do, which is pump blood around your body, is done by this artificial heart. This device is connected to the two upper chambers of your heart (the `atria`) and to the major blood vessels.
How does this device work?
Imagine this, it may sound a little strange. This artificial heart gets its power from a portable air compressor (or `driver`) that is located outside your body. The air from this `driver` goes through two thin tubes (`drivelines`) to the artificial heart and helps it pump in a rhythm.
These two tubes exit the body through the skin of your abdomen and connect to the `driver`. You can charge the battery of this `driver` at home or in the car. Just like a `power bank` for our phones, you can carry this in a `backpack` when you travel.
Sure, it may seem a bit strange to have a mechanical device inside your chest, but this technology has saved the lives of thousands of people waiting for a heart transplant.
Who needs an artificial heart?
Severe heart conditions can cause the heart to not be able to pump blood efficiently throughout the body. This is when an artificial heart becomes necessary. It is usually used as a "bridge to transplant" for a heart. That is, it helps keep the patient healthy and strong until a heart from a compatible donor is available.
Someone with the following conditions may need an artificial heart.
| Medical condition | Simple explanation |
|---|---|
| Heart Failure | The heart is unable to pump enough blood to the body. |
| Massive heart attack | When there is severe damage to the heart muscle. |
| Congenital heart issues | For some complex birth defects. |
| Cardiomyopathy | Weakening, thickening, or hardening of the heart muscle. |
| A failed LVAD device | When the LVAD (Left Ventricular Assist Device) device used to support the left ventricle fails. |
| Irregular heartbeat (Arrhythmia) | Abnormal heartbeat patterns that are life-threatening. |
When your heart isn't working properly, you may experience symptoms like:
- Constant feeling of extreme fatigue.
- Low blood pressure (hypotension).
- Swelling (edema) in the body, especially the ankles and abdomen .
- Difficulty breathing (dyspnea).
- Discomfort when lying in bed.
How do you prepare before surgery?
Because this is a major operation, you will need to stay in the hospital for at least a week before the operation. During this time, the medical team will teach you and your family about the artificial heart, how it will affect your life, and what to do if there are any problems.
Also, several tests will be performed to see if you are healthy enough for the surgery.
Preoperative tests
- Blood tests
- CT scan
- Chest X-ray
- Electrocardiogram (ECG or EKG)
- Echocardiogram (Echocardiogram)
- Pulmonary function testing
How the surgery is performed
This surgery is performed by a team of specialists, including cardiac surgeons. You will be put under general anesthesia and a breathing tube will be inserted to help you breathe.
1. First, the doctor will cut open your chest by cutting the middle bone in your chest. This is called a `(Sternotomy)`.
2. Next, they will give you medication to temporarily stop your heart from beating.
3. During the surgery, you will be connected to a `heart-lung bypass machine` to circulate your blood.
4. Then, the two weakened lower chambers (`ventricles`) of your heart are removed.
5. Instead , an artificial heart is implanted , connected to the upper chambers of the heart (`atria`) and the main arteries.
6. Finally, the heart-lung bypass machine is stopped and the artificial heart is activated.
The entire surgery can take about 9 hours. This is a very complex surgery.
What happens after the surgery?
After surgery, you will be admitted to the intensive care unit (ICU). For the first few days, you will be connected to a ventilator to help you breathe. You will be given nutrition through a tube or saline (IV). You will also be given pain medication.
As you gradually recover, you will be able to breathe on your own, eat and drink, and gradually walk around the hospital.
The special thing is that after the surgery, the doctors don't close your chest immediately. Because they want to check something inside the chest again or treat it easily in case of an emergency, the chest is completely closed after about a day.
What are the benefits and risks?
The main advantage
The biggest advantage of this is that it saves lives . Without an artificial heart, many people die while waiting for a compatible heart. After the surgery, you gradually regain strength and start feeling better than before. This gives you the strength and health needed to undergo a heart transplant.
Risks and complications
Patients who need an artificial heart are already in serious health conditions. The surgery and living with the device can pose certain risks.
- Blood clots
- Stroke
- Heavy bleeding
- Infection
- Kidney or liver failure
- High blood pressure
These are the main risks. It is very important to talk to your doctor about this first.
Recovery and self-care
After the surgery, you will have to recover in the hospital for about a month. After you go home, you can go about your daily activities. You can carry that `driver` I mentioned earlier in a `backpack` and move around freely.
Here's how you should take care of yourself:
- Go for medical checkups on scheduled dates.
- Take the medications prescribed to prevent blood clots and infections on time.
- Eat heart-healthy foods.
- sleep well.
- Participate in cardiac rehabilitation programs if recommended by your doctor.
When to see a doctor urgently
If you experience the following symptoms after surgery, you should call your doctor immediately .
| Symptom | Description |
|---|---|
| Fever | It could be a sign of an infection in the body. |
| Symptoms of a Stroke | Drooping of one side of the face, difficulty speaking, loss of feeling in an arm. |
| Pulmonary embolism | Sudden shortness of breath, chest pain. |
| Signs of infection | Redness, swelling, and pus at the site where the tube enters the body. |
Take-Home Message
- An artificial heart is a temporary mechanical pump that keeps patients with severe heart failure alive until a heart transplant is performed.
- This requires a very large and complex surgery and takes a long time to recover.
- To live with this device, an external power supply (`driver`) is required, which must be carried with you at all times.
- It is essential to follow medical advice and take medications properly, as there are risks such as blood clots, infections, and stroke.
- Notify your doctor immediately if you notice any warning signs, such as fever, stroke symptoms, or difficulty breathing.
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