A possible solution to this critical shortage may be the use of a heart from other animals. Called xenotransplantation, this procedure once was made difficult because of the rejection of the heart by the CHF patient's immune system. However, new technologies have been forged that can overcome such a barrier. For example, scientists have been able to alter genes in the heart of a pig to diminish the immune system reaction in a baboon. Scientists still need to discover how to turn such genes on and off to prevent human rejection.
Researchers are continuing efforts to develop better devices to help the damaged heart function.
The ventricles are the heart's main pumping chambers. These chambers enlarge as CHF progresses. Muscle fibers stretch, and the heart loses strength. The LVAD is now used as a temporary assist for patients with severe CHF who are awaiting a heart transplant. New drug therapies, better diagnosis, and speedier therapies are lessening those conditions' impact on the heart.