Overview
An Artificial Heart is a mechanical device that replaces the function of a failing human heart, typically used in patients with end-stage heart failure who are awaiting a heart transplant or are ineligible for transplantation. It takes over the heart’s ability to pump blood and maintain circulation, allowing patients to survive while waiting for a donor heart or as a long-term therapy in select cases.
In Korea, artificial heart implantation is performed in highly specialized cardiovascular centers, with access to state-of-the-art operating rooms, mechanical circulatory support devices, and expert cardiac surgeons. Korean hospitals provide preoperative assessment, advanced ICU care, and post-operative rehabilitation, ensuring optimal survival and quality of life for patients with severe heart failure.
What is an Artificial Heart?
An artificial heart is a mechanical pump designed to replace the ventricles of the heart. There are two main types:
- Total Artificial Heart (TAH): Replaces both ventricles and all four heart valves
- Ventricular Assist Device (VAD): Supports one or both ventricles but does not replace the entire heart
Key features:
- Mimics normal cardiac output to maintain blood circulation
- Can be pulsatile (mimicking heartbeat) or continuous flow
- Used as a bridge to transplant or, in rare cases, long-term therapy
- Equipped with external power sources or battery packs for continuous function
Artificial hearts are often used in patients with irreversible heart failure, cardiomyopathy, or severe coronary artery disease where conventional treatments fail.
What are the benefits?
- Maintains blood circulation in patients with end-stage heart failure
- Improves survival while awaiting a heart transplant
- Reduces symptoms such as fatigue, shortness of breath, and fluid retention
- ✅ Can be used in patients not eligible for transplantation
- ✅ Provides time for recovery or evaluation before transplant
- ✅ Korean hospitals ensure advanced surgical techniques, continuous monitoring, and multidisciplinary care
Procedure Details
1) How should I prepare for Artificial Heart implantation?
- ➤ Comprehensive cardiac evaluation, including echocardiography, MRI, CT scan, and cardiac catheterization
- ➤ Blood tests to assess organ function, blood counts, and clotting factors
- ➤ Medication review, including anticoagulants and heart medications
- ➤ Preoperative counseling regarding surgery, ICU care, and lifestyle with an artificial heart
- ➤ Arrange family support for post-operative care and device management
2) What happens during the procedure Artificial Heart implantation?
- ✅ Performed under general anesthesia in a specialized cardiac operating room
- ✅ Median sternotomy provides access to the heart
- ✅ Patient is placed on cardiopulmonary bypass
- ✅ Diseased ventricles are removed (TAH) or supported (VAD)
- ✅ The artificial heart is implanted and connected to the major vessels
- ✅ Function of the device is checked for adequate cardiac output before closing the chest
- ✅ Surgery duration ranges from 4–8 hours, depending on patient condition and device type
3) What happens after an Artificial Heart implantation?
- ➤ Patients are transferred to cardiac ICU for continuous monitoring
- ➤ Ventilator support and hemodynamic monitoring are essential in the initial phase
- ➤ Pain management, anticoagulation therapy, and infection prevention are administered
- ➤ Gradual mobilization and physical therapy begin once stable
- ➤ Device management training is provided to patients and caregivers
- ➤ Hospital stay is usually 2–4 weeks, depending on recovery
Risks / Benefits
Potential Risks:
- ➤ Infection at surgical site or device-related infections
- ➤ Blood clots or stroke
- ➤ Device malfunction or mechanical failure
- ➤ Bleeding during or after surgery
- ➤ Organ dysfunction due to prolonged heart failure or surgery
Benefits:
- ✅ Maintains life-sustaining circulation in end-stage heart failure
- ✅ Provides a bridge to heart transplant
- ✅ Improves symptoms and quality of life
- ✅ Long-term support in select patients who cannot undergo transplantation
- ✅ In Korea, advanced surgical techniques and continuous monitoring reduce complications
Recovery and Outlook
- Hospital stay: Typically 2–4 weeks, including ICU care
- Activity: Gradual mobilization under supervision; limited activity initially
- Device management: Patients learn to operate external batteries and monitor device function
- Follow-up: Frequent cardiac assessments and laboratory tests to monitor function and prevent complications
- Long-term outlook: Many patients survive months to years with artificial hearts while awaiting transplant or as permanent support
- Lifestyle: Requires lifelong device care, anticoagulation therapy, and regular follow-up
When To Call the Doctor
- ➤ Signs of infection at surgical site or device exit points
- ➤ Unexplained fever or chills
- ➤ Sudden shortness of breath or chest pain
- ➤ Device alarms or malfunction indicators
- ➤ Unusual swelling, bleeding, or bruising
Best Korea Option / Process
- ✅ Korea provides top-tier cardiovascular centers specializing in artificial heart implantation
- ✅ Hospitals offer TAH and VAD implantation, along with advanced ICU support and rehabilitation
- ✅ Experienced cardiac surgeons ensure precise implantation and continuous monitoring
- ✅ International patients benefit from VIP coordination, translation services, and device training
- ✅ Post-operative care includes infection prevention, anticoagulation management, and long-term follow-up
- ✅ High survival rates and advanced technology make Korea a preferred destination for artificial heart therapy
