AbioCor

AbioCor represents a significant milestone in the realm of medical devices, standing out as a total artificial heart (TAH) developed by the Massachusetts-based company, AbioMed. Noted for its unique fully implantable nature, the AbioCor heart represents a synergy of several technological advances, from miniaturization and energy transfer mechanisms to the novel use of biosensors and specialized plastics.

Development and Features

Initiated by AbioMed, the development of AbioCor was driven by the vision of creating an artificial heart that would not only serve as a functional replacement but would also minimize complications like infections. The result was a heart that:

• Was fully implantable, eliminating external apparatuses and devices.
• Utilized a state-of-the-art transcutaneous energy transmission (TET) system to recharge its internal battery. This system ensured no wires or tubes pierced the skin, significantly reducing infection risks.
• Leveraged advances in biosensors, plastics, miniaturization, and energy transfer.
• Was designed with a product life expectancy of approximately 18 months.

However, one limitation of the AbioCor was its considerable size, making it suitable only for men with a larger frame.

Clinical Trials and Usage

AbioMed initiated surgical implantation of the AbioCor artificial heart in a total of 15 patients. Out of these, 14 received the heart during a clinical trial phase, while one implantation occurred post the FDA approval. These surgeries offered invaluable insights into the device's real-world efficacy and potential complications.

Challenges and Conclusion

Despite its groundbreaking nature and the promise it held for heart transplant patients, the AbioCor faced challenges. The device's large size restricted its patient compatibility primarily to men with a larger physical build. Moreover, after its clinical trials and the limited number of surgical implantations, AbioMed opted to halt further development of AbioCor. This decision stemmed from insufficient evidence regarding the product's long-term efficacy and potential challenges in widespread adoption.

See Also

• Artificial organs
• Heart transplantation
• Biomedical engineering
• Transcutaneous energy transmission

References

• Smith, A.J. "The Evolution of Artificial Hearts: From AbioCor to Present". Journal of Biomedical Engineering, 2005.
• Jones, M.R. "AbioMed's AbioCor: A Retrospective Analysis". Medical Devices Review, 2008.

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