The Heart and Diabetes Center NRW in Bad Oeynhausen, Germany, performed the 800th implant of the SynCardia temporary CardioWest Total Artificial Heart. The 60-year-old patient, who was suffering from biventricular failure, was listed in stable condition post-implant.
“This was our 129th implant of the Total Artificial Heart,” said implanting surgeon Dr. Latif Arusoglu. “The Total Artificial Heart is the only device that pumps up to 9.5 L/min through both ventricles, helping us to rescue the sickest of the sick.”
Dr. Arusoglu brought the Total Artificial Heart to the Heart & Diabetes Center NRW and performed the hospital’s first implant in 2001. As an instructor for SynCardia’s Certification Program, Dr. Arusoglu proctors top European transplant centers during their first implant. The Heart & Diabetes Center NRW has performed more Artificial Heart implants than any other center in Germany.
“Our Total Artificial Heart patients can wait up to 2 years for a matching donor heart,” explained Prof. Jan Gummert, M.D., Director of the Clinic for Thoracic and Cardiovascular Surgery. “The portable driver allows stable patients to enjoy an active lifestyle at home and in their communities, similar to people with healthy human hearts.”
From 2003-2006, the Heart & Diabetes Center NRW pioneered the clinical study of the European portable driver, which resulted in the CE Mark. European Total Artificial Heart patients discharged on the portable driver account for more than 50 years of life outside the hospital without a human heart. Total Artificial Heart patients – who are otherwise healthy – often spend months confined to the hospital while they wait for a matching donor heart.