Innovative BiVACOR device supports patient for 105 days, marking a milestone in cardiac care
In a groundbreaking medical achievement, an Australian man in his 40s lived for 105 days with a total artificial heart, becoming the first person to be discharged from the hospital with such a device. This remarkable feat underscores significant advancements in cardiac care and offers hope to patients with end-stage heart failure.
The BiVACOR Total Artificial Heart
The artificial heart, developed by Australian-born biomedical engineer Dr. Daniel Timms and his company BiVACOR, is a titanium device designed to replace the function of a failing human heart. Weighing approximately 650 grams, it utilizes magnetic levitation technology—akin to that used in high-speed trains—to spin a disc that propels blood through the body. This design minimizes mechanical wear and tear, potentially extending the device’s lifespan.
The Patient’s Journey
The patient, who had been experiencing severe heart failure, underwent the implantation procedure on November 22, 2024, at St. Vincent’s Hospital in Sydney. The surgery, led by cardiothoracic and transplant surgeon Dr. Paul Jansz, lasted six hours. After a few weeks in intensive care and subsequent observation, the patient was discharged in early February 2025, marking the first time someone left the hospital with a total artificial heart. He lived with the device for 105 days before receiving a donor heart transplant on March 6, 2025.
Implications for Heart Failure Treatment
This successful implantation and the patient’s subsequent discharge represent a significant milestone in treating end-stage heart failure. The BiVACOR device is designed to serve as a bridge to transplant, keeping patients alive until a suitable donor heart becomes available. The long-term ambition is for recipients to live with the artificial heart without needing a transplant, potentially revolutionizing treatment for millions worldwide suffering from heart failure.
Future Prospects
Supported by a $50 million grant from Australia’s Medical Research Future Fund, the Artificial Heart Frontiers Program, led by Monash University, aims to further develop and commercialize the BiVACOR device. The program plans to conduct additional clinical trials across Australia, bringing hope to many awaiting life-saving heart transplants.
This achievement not only highlights the potential of artificial heart technology but also showcases the innovative spirit of Australian medical research, offering new possibilities for patients worldwide.
