Artificial heart

The artificial heart is a prosthesis designed from synthetic or biosynthetic materials Its purpose is to replace a sick heart if the living organ is failing or if transplantation is contraindicated.

The major risks to the patient are possible blood coagulation on the walls of the prosthesis or rejection of the materials by the immune system.

Several prototypes have already been produced, from the largest (Jarvik 7, composed of an extracorporeal compressor weighing more than 40 kg) to the lightest (Carmat, 900 g).