Alerts Sign-up
Surgeons at The Christ Hospital Health Network in Cincinnati have successfully completed the fourth global implantation of the BiVACOR Total Artificial Heart. This innovative heart replacement device is seen as a potential advancement in cardiac care for patients with severe heart failure. The hospital is among four sites nationwide enrolling patients in an FDA-approved clinical trial.
The BiVACOR Total Artificial Heart features a single, magnetically levitated rotor that pumps blood to both the body and lungs. It aims to offer durability and suitability for a broader range of patients due to its smaller size. Developed by an international team led by Daniel Timms, PhD, this device marks progress in mechanical heart technology.
Cardiothoracic surgeons Rob Dowling, MD, and Geoff Answini, MD, performed the procedure at The Christ Hospital. Dr. Answini remarked on the potential of the device: “The BiVACOR Total Artificial Heart effectively replaced the patient’s entire heart function and restored normal circulation. This device may eventually provide an off-the-shelf alternative to heart transplantation.”
Dr. William “Billy” Cohn from BiVACOR emphasized its role for end-stage heart disease patients: “Many end-stage heart disease patients are actually too sick to qualify for heart transplants,” he said. “The BiVACOR Total Heart Artificial provides a critical bridge to transplant for these patients.”
Greg Egnaczyk, MD, noted their selection was due to expertise in mechanical circulatory support: “The BiVACOR team chose us due to our expertise in mechanical devices that support the circulatory system.”
Miriam Freundt, MD, FACC described post-surgery outcomes: “Our patient woke up pain-free after years of suffering and was walking the halls just five days after surgery."
Dean Kereiakes, MD expressed how this technology addresses severe heart failure needs: "This technology addresses the needs of a subset of severe heart failure patients."
Debbie Hayes highlighted The Christ Hospital's role as one of four U.S. sites for this trial: "Our selection as one of only four U.S. sites for this clinical trial highlights The Christ Hospital’s expertise."
The implantation was part of an FDA Early Feasibility Study conducted through The Carl & Edyth Lindner Center for Research and Education.
