Hearts Of Steel
Two decades since Barney Clark's heroic act
But there will always be patients whose hearts are too far gone to benefit from pumping aids, and so the search continues for an actual, self-contained heart that could be transplanted into a patient. The best known "total" replacement heart, called the AbioCor, has been in the works for years. But three of the first five recipients died quickly, dimming enthusiasm for its development. Just last month, a medical group in Japan reported that it had successfully developed a wireless artificial heart. The device had been implanted into cattle, who survived and appeared to be functioning well. One of the selling points of the Japanese heart is that it contains a rechargeable battery that would allow patients to walk around without the clumsy power units. And, because there would be no break in patients' skin, they would be able to shower and bathe normally, something not possible with the current generation of pumps.
It is only a matter of time before total replacement hearts become a reality, says William DeVries, the surgeon who implanted the heart into Clark two decades ago. Meanwhile, these heart-assisting devices give patients a better shot at being around for important anniversaries. "These devices give people enormous hope and peace of mind, knowing that we have options," says Warner, whose oldest child will get married next month. "I can tell you with certainty that for people with serious heart problems, hope is the most essential thing."
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