Sonoran Living Health Innovation Spotlight - SynCardia
Channel: AZ Bio
Date: 02/12/2021

According to the CDC, Heart disease is the #1 cause of death worldwide for both men and women.   

When we think about heart disease, we often think of heart attacks, but there are many forms of heart disease and many causes.  One of the most challenging is when both sides of the heart are no longer able to pump enough of blood. This is called end-stage Bi-Ventricular Heart Failure.  When this occurs, the patient may need a heart transplant.  But, they may not be strong enough for the surgery OR a donor heart may not be available in time.

SynCardia Systems in Tucson is the sole manufacturer of the only FDA-approved total artificial heart. This FDA cleared device  is currently used as a bridge to transplant. The device has two main components, the TAH which is inside the patient and an external pump.   As the blood flow improves, the patient can get stronger and be better prepared for when a donor heart becomes available.  Patients from 8 to 80 have received a total artificial heart. The team at SynCardia recently celebrated the 2,000th patient that received this life saving technology.

To learn more about the SynCardia temporary Total Artificial Heart and other Arizona based health innovations visit https://www.AZBio.org/AZAdvances

Sonoran Living Health Innovation Spotlights are produced by ABC15 (KNXV-Phoenix) with AZBio and paid for by AZBio.