Jarvik 2000: comfortable artificial heart

2000/09/19 Mendiburu, Joana - Elhuyar Zientziaren Komunikazioa

• Bioteknologia
• Medikuntza

About two months ago life changed to Peter Houghton, a 61-year-old man who suffered a dialectical myocardial. Operated by cardiologist Westaby and his team at John Radcliffe Hospital in Oxford, it was not an easy operation. Instead of a normal transplant, Jarvi implanted in his left ventricle the artificial heart they call 2000. The ventricles transmit oxygenated blood to the whole organism and the left ventricular flow of this man was less than 10% of normal. Six weeks after the operation returns home.

Discomfort due to lack of organs

Thanks to the years of work, today the heart transplants are well codified, but due to the small number of donors, the transplants are still not the solution of all heart diseases. This problem has generated the discomfort of cardiologists since the obstacle is not scientific knowledge but the lack of organ donors. Until the obtaining of an adequate organ, a blood circulation auxiliary was installed, but later a definitive transplant was necessary. The aim of cardiologists is to point out artificial assistants to improve the functioning of the heart to avoid the problem of organ shortages. Hence the possibility that every patient can be cured properly and at the right time.

Jarvi 200

Operation of 0

The artificial heart Jarvik 2000 is formed by a tiki turbine that works thanks to batteries. The 90-gram titanium turbine is installed in the left ventricle and a vascular vaccine leads blood to the aorta. The batteries located at the waist generate a magnetic field that rotates between 8000-12000 revolutions per minute. The connection between the battery and the turbine is made from a titanium base located in the skull, more specifically, behind the mastoid apophysis. The junction has been established behind the ears to reduce the risk of infection. Blood flow ranges from three to eight liters per minute and the patient can regulate the speed of the turbine.

Taking into account the results obtained to date, the creators of this artificial heart have shown great hope. It contributes adequately to the blood circulation of the patient, in addition to a comfortable use. The speed of the turbine can be adjusted to the needs and the change of the batteries, being located in the waist, does not present problems. Six weeks after surgery, the patient's physical exercise resistance has improved, as well as the functioning of the right and left ventricles. There has been no significant hemolysis (removal of hematins by hemoglobin release), nor specific problems associated with the apparatus. This timid turbine works silently and without moving the skin of the heart, thus avoiding coagulation. In addition, this artificial heart, by its small size, can also be applied to women or children. However, not everything is encouraging in cardiology. Despite advances in remedies, the Euroaspire II report, prepared by fifteen countries of the European Union, warns that much remains to be done in preventive matters.