About the AbioCor Implantable Heart
Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital is one of three facilities in the nation approved to offer the AbioCor, the world’s first fully implantable artificial heart.
What is the AbioCor?
The AbioCor Replacement Heart is a mechanical device that replaces the pumping function of a patient’s heart. It is surgically implanted into the patient’s chest along with other system components.
The AbioCor system does not cross the patient’s skin, so he may remain mobile and potentially live a near normal life. Risk of infection that might otherwise occur if the system components crossed the skin is also minimized.
The replacement heart uses an external power source outside the body, but it delivers power across the skin to the system parts inside the patient’s body.
System Components
- Replacement Heart (also called the Thoracic Unit). This is the system “pump”. It weighs about two pounds and has blood pumping chambers (ventricles). The replacement heart takes over the pumping action of the diseased heart, which is removed when the AbioCor is implanted.
Implanted TET. This component powers the AbioCor system. “TET” refers to “transcutaneous energy transfer,” which means that the system is powered across the skin and recharges the internal battery from the outside.- Implanted Controller. This is the system computer that monitors and controls system operations, including the pumping rate of the replacement heart. It is implanted in the abdomen.
- Implanted Battery. This battery provides short-term power, allowing the patient to be free from all external connections for a short period of time (approximately 45 minutes). Like the implanted controller, the implanted battery is also implanted in the patient’s abdomen.
- Implanted Cable. This cable connects all of the implanted parts of the AbioCor system.
In addition to the implanted components, the AbioCor system has external components that provide power to the AbioCor system (External TET) and monitor and adjust the replacement heart (Console). The AbioCor system also has a portable external power supply (Patient-Carried Electronics – PCE) that works with a handheld monitor to make the system simple to use during routine activities once the patient is discharged.
Who is a Candidate for the AbioCor?
The AbioCor is designed for patients with end-stage heart failure who are not eligible for a heart transplant and who have no other treatment alternatives. Candidates must meet the following criteria:
- Less than 75 years old
- In left and right-sided heart failure
- Projected survival is very poor
- Meet the physical size requirements necessary to fit the replacement heart in their chest
- Have a support system in place to assist with their recovery
The potential benefits of the AbioCor are specific to each individual. Some of these potential benefits include an increased life expectancy, improved quality of life, and extended time with family and friends.