Can a Small Device Replace a Failing Heart?

Heart failure is one of the most serious health problems in the world. For some people, medicine and surgery aren’t enough, and a heart transplant becomes the only option. But donor hearts are limited. That’s where BiVACOR comes in. The company is working on a Total Artificial Heart (TAH), a device meant to fully replace the function of a human heart.

What makes the BiVACOR TAH different is how it works. At its center is one moving part, a small spinning disc called a rotor. This rotor floats in place using magnetic forces and pushes blood to both the lungs and the rest of the body. Because the rotor doesn’t touch anything, there’s less wear and tear, and it can keep working over time.

Built to Fit the Body, Tested for Safety

The device is made of strong, lightweight titanium and is small enough to fit most adult patients. It’s powered by an external controller and battery pack that patients wear, giving them the ability to move around while still being connected to the device. This setup helps people stay more active, even while waiting for a heart transplant.

BiVACOR is now testing its artificial heart in a U.S.-based Early Feasibility Study, approved by the FDA. This study is focused on safety and how well the device works for patients who are waiting for a donor heart. The results will help shape the next steps toward making the device more widely available.