Aiming to improve the survival odds and quality of life of patients with advanced heart failure, Pennsylvania surgeons have developed a new type of internal heart pump they say is safer than current devices. The new device is totally implantable, that is, it does not have parts that stick out of the body like those found in other heart assist devices. They're a constant source of infection. And unlike traditional heart pumps, which are used to buy time while patients await a heart transplant, Pae said the new device is a permanent fix. This is for patients with no other option.
Heart failure refers to the heart's inability to pump enough blood to meet the demands of the body.
It is closely linked to other cardiovascular diseases and may be caused by clogged, hardened heart arteries, high blood pressure or damage to heart valves or the muscle itself. Symptoms include chest pain, fatigue and breathlessness. Heart pumps power the heart muscle to help get more blood to the rest of the body. With the Pennsylvania's team device, Pae explained, a power transmitter placed on the skin delivers about 30 minutes' worth of energy to the implanted pump. The transmitter is connected to a power pack that holds two rechargeable battery packs.