Key Points

• A total artificial heart (TAH) is a device that replaces the two lower chambers of your heart—the ventricles. You may benefit from a TAH if both of your ventricles don't work due to end-stage heart failure.
• You may need a TAH to keep you alive while you wait for a heart transplant. Or, you may need a TAH if you're not eligible for a heart transplant, but you have end-stage heart failure in both ventricles.
• The TAH is attached to your heart's upper chambers—the atria. Between the TAH and the atria are mechanical valves that work like the heart's own valves.
• Currently, there are two types of TAH: the CardioWest and the AbioCor. The CardioWest has tubes that, through holes in the abdomen, connect from inside the chest to an outside power source. The AbioCor is completely contained inside the chest and powered by a battery. The battery is charged through the skin with a special magnetic charger.
• A TAH usually extends life for months beyond what is expected with end-stage heart failure. If you're waiting for a heart transplant, a TAH can keep you alive while you wait for a donor heart. It also can improve your quality of life.
• A TAH is a "last resort" device. Only people who have tried every other type of treatment, except heart transplant, can get it. The TAH isn't used for people who may benefit from medicines or other procedures.
• Before you get a TAH, you will likely spend at least a week in the hospital to prepare for the surgery. During this time, you will learn about the TAH and how to live with it. Your doctors will make sure your body is strong enough for the surgery.
• TAH surgery is complex and can take between 5 and 9 hours. Before the surgery, you're given medicine to make you sleep. A cut is made down the center of your chest and your ribcage is opened. The surgeons remove your heart's ventricles and attach the TAH to the upper chambers of your heart.
• Recovery time from TAH surgery depends a lot on your condition before the surgery. Your hospital stay could last a month or longer after the TAH surgery. While you recover, it's very important to get good nutrition and ongoing care, and to follow your doctor's medical advice.
• Getting a TAH involves some serious risks. These risks include blood clots, bleeding, infection, and device malfunctions. If you're eligible for a TAH, you will work with your doctor to decide whether the benefits of the device outweigh the risks.
• Researchers are working to make better TAHs that will allow people to live longer and have fewer complications.