The U.S. Food and Drug Administration approved the first totally implanted artificial heart for patients with advanced heart failure in both of the heart�s pumping chambers. The device is intended for patients who are not eligible for a heart transplant and whose life expectancy without the device is only a month. Heart failure is a serious condition in which the heart is unable to pump enough blood throughout the body. About 5 million people in the United States have heart failure and it contributes to or causes about 300,000 deaths every year.
The approval of the totally implanted artificial heart is a significant milestone as there are few options for heart failure patients with the most severe form of the disease and who are in critical need. CONTACT: NHLBI Communications Office 301-496-4236
Message posted by: Rashmi Nemade
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