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Key Points
- A total artificial heart (TAH) is a device that
replaces the two lower chambers of your heartthe 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
chambersthe 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.
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What Are the Risks Links
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