Artificial Heart by Carmat

October 08 - French scientists have unveiled a working prototype of a fully artificial heart which is based on the technology of satellites and airplanes. The device beats almost exactly like the real thing using electronic sensors to regulate heart rate and blood flow.

It was developed by Carmat who are funded by the European space and defense group EADS. Carmat's chief operating officer Patrick Coulombier said "it's the same principle in the airplane as in the body." He explained that the same tiny sensors that measure air pressure and altitude in an airplane or satellite are also in the artificial heart. This should allow the device to respond immediately if the patient needs more or less blood.

The French design has so far only been tested in animals, and now needs approval from its authorities before pushing ahead with human clinical trials.

The French heart is the most lifelike to date, with two pumps to send the blood into the lungs and the rest of the body, just like a real heart. Past artificial hearts have only had one pump and have been unable to automatically vary their pumping speed and must be tweaked externally.

The French model is made from natural materials including polymer and pig tissue, which have already been used in heart valves implanted into people.

The artificial heart would initially be for patients who had suffered a massive heart attack or who had heart failure, but might eventually be used in patients who are not that sick.

Source: EADS