Testing of a non-beating artificial heart implant

Scientists have successfully implanted a heartbeatless artificial heart into a sheep and could test it on humans in 2018.

The BiVACOR device has different features from previous designs. Photo: Prince Charles Hospital

The BiVACOR device, developed by scientists at the Queensland University of Technology in Brisbane, Australia, replaces the beating of the heart with a rotating disk that pumps blood around the body.

IB Times reported yesterday that a team of experts from Australia and the US had successfully implanted the BiVACOR into a sheep. Thanks to the titanium rotating disc in the artificial heart, the sheep is still alive and well.

This is a departure from previous artificial heart designs, which used a balloon-shaped, bulky bag to mimic the workings of a biological heart. BiVACOR is designed to avoid wear and tear, so it can last more than 10 years longer than previous versions.

"It's a viable idea. The challenge now is to make it reliable enough to be used in patients. Before we do human trials, we're looking at a three- to five-year timeframe," said Daniel Timms, the project's lead designer.

Before applying it on the human body, expected in 2018, a campaign is being conducted with the hope of raising 3.8 million USD.

According to VnExpress