Total Artificial Heart - Who May Benefit? - Who May Benefit?

You may be eligible for a TAH if you have heart failure and both of your ventricles are working poorly. The Federal Drug Administration (FDA) approved the TAH device as a bridge to a transplant; TAHs help keep people with heart failure alive while they wait for a heart transplant. In addition, artificial hearts have been given to a few patients as part of clinical research. Researchers are working on smaller TAHs that will fit infants, children, women, and smaller men who are waiting for a heart transplant, as well as devices that are alternative treatments for adults who are not eligible for a transplant.

A TAH should not be used if you have any of these characteristics or conditions:

• Are small. The device is too large to fit in the chests of children and some adults. Researchers are testing smaller TAHs in infants, children, women, and smaller men.
• Can benefit from other treatments, including medicines.
• Have heart failure on only one side of your heart. In these cases, treatment with a ventricular assist device may be more appropriate.
• Cannot take anticlotting medicines. These medicines are required as long as the TAH is in place.