Introduction
The total artificial heart is a mechanical device that will replace the lower chamber (ventricles) of the heart, and it is a pulsatile system that is used for orthotropic replacement of the four valves and the native ventricles when there is an end-stage biventricular heart failure. Two independent artificial sizes are available in 70 cc and 50 cc sizes. There is a maximum stroke volume of 70mL in 70cc, and is also capable of generating cardiac output of up to 9.5L/min. A maximum stroke volume of 50mL in 50cc can generate a flow rate of up to 7.5L/min. Once the artificial heart is placed, blood is pumped throughout the body, which will help in restoring healthy circulation. Replacing an artificial heart is a temporary solution that will help to keep the heart healthy enough to receive a heart transplant.
What Is a Total Artificial Heart?
A total artificial heart replaces the heart that is not working as it should, and an artificial heart is a mechanical pump placed by the heart surgeon in the chest that will replace the damaged or diseased heart ventricles. The heart's lower chambers are the ventricles with left and right ventricles. Both the ventricles are replaced with the total artificial heart device, which will do the job that ventricles can’t do.
A portable machine outside the body powers the artificial heart and keeps pumping steadily. A driveline will be attached to the total artificial heart, and the device will exit the body through the skin in the stomach.
What Are the Indications to Treat with a Total Artificial Heart Implantation?
The total artificial heart is indicated for a congenital heart defect that is present from birth or heart failure. The function of the heart is affected by these conditions. Therefore, the heart cannot pump the blood due to damage or disease. When blood circulation is improper, it can lead to symptoms and conditions such as fatigue, fluid buildup, low blood pressure, shortness of breath, and difficulty lying down flat.
What Are the Benefits of a Total Artificial Heart Implantation?
Total artificial heart is a temporary solution, and it is mainly done before a heart transplant as it acts as a bridge to transplant. It helps to regain strength by a total artificial heart as it replaces the damaged ventricles and also helps to stay healthy for a heart transplant surgery once the donor's heart is available.
What Are the Essential Tests Before the Artificial Heart Transplant?
For total artificial heart surgery, it is advisable to stay in the hospital for at least one week before the surgery. The healthcare provider gives detailed knowledge regarding the total artificial heart to the patient and the family. It is essential to assess the following tests before the surgery: blood tests, CT scans, chest X-rays, electrocardiograms, pulmonary function tests, echocardiograms, heart catheterization, and metabolic stress tests.
How Is Total Artificial Heart Implantation Surgery Done?
This procedure is complex, done by a team of heart surgeons and other specialists, and may take up to nine hours. The procedure is done under general anesthesia, and breathing, heart rate, blood pressure, and other vital signs are monitored by the doctors and nurses. When under anesthesia, breathing takes place with the help of a ventilator. The blood circulation occurs throughout the body during the operation with the help of a heart-lung bypass machine. The machine is connected to the patient until the surgeon places the artificial heart in the chest, and it starts pumping. Once the surgery is done, the patient is shifted to the intensive care unit to monitor closely, and breathing takes place with the help of ventilator l. The nutrition is given to the patient with the help of a feeding tube or intravenous line. Once the patient is recovered from surgery, they slowly start breathing, eating, and drinking independently. After the recovery, the healthcare provider will monitor for signs of infection or complications.
What Is the Recovery Time after Total Artificial Heart Implantation Surgery?
The recovery time after the total artificial heart surgery takes nearly a month, and the first several days after the surgery, it is necessary to stay in the hospital so the healthcare provider can monitor the condition. It is essential to take medications to prevent infection and blood clots and follow healthcare provider instructions. The total artificial heart is powered and controlled by the portable device.
What Are the Advantages of Total Artificial Heart Implantation?
The strength is regained after a total artificial heart, and it will help to get strong and healthy to receive a heart transplant. Without this surgery, many individuals die while they are waiting for a donor heart to become available.
What Are the Risk Factors of Total Artificial Heart Surgery?
There are severe health conditions in individuals receiving total artificial heart surgery, and once this surgery is done, the risk of other complications are blood clots, bleeding, stroke, and infection. It is essential to inform the healthcare provider if there is fever, stroke symptoms, signs of infection, chest pain, and sudden shortness of breath.
Conclusion
Total artificial heart implantation is a temporary solution that helps to regain strength and also acts as a bridge for individuals who are on the waiting list for heart transplants. This will also make the individuals live with an artificial heart for several months or years while waiting for a transplant.
