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Previous Volume 316:130-134 January 15, 1987 Number 3 Next

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Abstract

Between October 24, 1985, and July 31, 1986, the Jarvik-7 total artificial heart was implanted into six moribund patients in an attempt to test its potential as a bridge from almost certain death to cardiac transplantation. Four of these patients are now well and at home after implantation of the device and subsequent cardiac transplantation. Before transplantation, one patient died with sepsis and multiorgan failure that preceded implantation of the artificial heart. Another patient died with acute rejection 60 days after cardiac transplantation. Fifty-two days of total mechanical support with the artificial heart were accumulated in these six patients, and although the device worked flawlessly and no clinically apparent thromboembolic events occurred, each artificial heart contained areas of macroscopic aggregations of platelets and thrombi. The results of this trial indicate that in properly selected cases, direct benefit to the patient can be obtained when the Jarvik-7 artificial heart is used as a bridge to transplantation.

This article has been cited by other articles:

• Thielmeier, K. A., Pank, J. R., Dowling, R. D., Gray, L. A. JR (2001). Anesthetic and Perioperative Considerations in Patients Undergoing Placement of Totally Implantable Replacement Hearts. SEMIN CARDIOTHORAC VASC ANESTH 5: 335-344 [Abstract]  
• Rose, A. G., Park, S. J., Bank, A. J., Miller, L. W. (2000). Partial aortic valve fusion induced by left ventricular assist device. Ann. Thorac. Surg. 70: 1270-1274 [Abstract] [Full Text]  
• Hunt, S. A. (1998). Current Status of Cardiac Transplantation. JAMA 280: 1692-1698 [Abstract] [Full Text]