An artificial heart is a medical device that replaces your heart, pumping blood when your heart weakens. While other heart devices can support your heart, an artificial heart takes over its pumping function completely. It is different from a heart transplant, which replaces a heart with a donor heart.
Understanding how an artificial heart works can make sometimes a scary situation feel a little better.
What is an artificial heart?
An artificial heart is a mechanical device that pumps blood for your heart. It sits inside your chest and uses tubes and valves to move blood to your lungs and the rest of your body. You may need an artificial heart if both sides of your heart are too weak or damaged to work well on their own.
Most of the time, an artificial heart is used for people with advanced heart failure while they are waiting for a donor heart. “These devices can help prolong life and improve quality of life while waiting,” said Francisco Arabia, MD, a cardiothoracic surgeon with Banner - University Medicine. If other options are limited, it may be used longer term in some situations.
How the heart normally works, and what happens in heart failure
The right side of your heart sends blood to the lungs and the left side pumps oxygen-rich blood to your organs, muscles and brain. When your heart is healthy, it squeezes and relaxes in a steady rhythm, so your body gets the blood and oxygen it needs.
If you have heart failure, your heart can’t pump as well as it should. Over time, it may not keep up with your body's needs. You may have symptoms like shortness of breath, swelling in your legs, fatigue and trouble with everyday activities.
If you have advanced heart failure, your heart struggles even with medicines, lifestyle changes and other therapies. You may feel short of breath when you’re resting or doing low levels of activity. You may need hospital care on a regular basis.
The key difference: Supporting the heart vs. replacing it
Some heart devices support the heart, while others replace its pumping function.
- Support devices help your heart work better: They boost your heart's pumping strength so more blood can move through the body. But your own heart is still doing some of the work.
- Replacement devices take over the pumping job entirely: They move blood for you when your heart can no longer do the work on its own.
What is an LVAD and how does it help?
A left ventricular assist device (LVAD) is a mechanical pump that helps the left side of your heart move blood to the rest of your body. It pulls blood from the ventricle and pushes it into the aorta, so more blood reaches your body. Even with an LVAD, your own heart is still in your chest. The device works alongside it rather than replacing it.
Your care team may recommend an LVAD if you have serious heart failure and your heart is too weak to pump well on its own but you still have some heart function. The device:
- Supports your heart
- Improves blood flow
- Can reduce symptoms like fatigue and shortness of breath
You may be able to be more active and spend less time in the hospital with an LVAD. “An LVAD can extend life for people with severe heart failure,” Dr. Arabia said.
How an artificial heart is different from an LVAD
An artificial heart replaces both of the heart's lower chambers rather than helping just one side. With an artificial heart, surgeons remove the failing ventricles and put a mechanical heart in their position. The artificial heart then takes over the full pumping job for both the right and left sides of the heart.
“Patients who need an artificial heart are usually sicker than those who can have an LVAD,” Dr. Arabia said.
How an artificial heart is different from a heart transplant
An artificial heart is a mechanical device. It is powered by a driver outside the body that connects through small openings in the skin.
A heart transplant uses a donor human heart from someone who has died. During transplant surgery, your failing heart is removed and replaced with the donor heart.
Because an artificial heart is often a temporary option, it is called a “bridge to transplant.” It helps keep you alive and as stable as possible while you wait for a donor heart.
A heart transplant may be a long-term solution as long as you have a good match and take medications to prevent rejection for life.
When an artificial heart may be considered
Doctors may consider an artificial heart if you have severe, advanced heart failure that is not improving with medicines, lifestyle changes, cardiac rehab and other treatments. It may be an option when:
- Both sides of your heart are failing
- Other heart surgeries or devices are not enough or are not possible
- You are waiting for a heart transplant and need a way to keep blood flowing to your body
- Your care team believes replacing your heart’s pumping function will give you the best chance of surviving until you can get a transplant
Because an artificial heart is a very advanced treatment, it is only offered at specialized centers with experienced heart failure and transplant teams.
Why understanding your options matters
Advanced heart failure and its treatments can feel overwhelming. Knowing the difference between LVADs, artificial hearts and heart transplants can help you feel more in control when you talk with your care team.
The right treatment depends on your overall health, other medical conditions and how your heart is functioning. That is why it is so important to work with a specialized heart team that’s experienced in advanced therapies like LVADs, artificial hearts and transplants.
If you or a loved one has advanced heart failure, a Banner Health specialist can help you understand your options, including advanced heart support devices and transplant care.
Common questions about artificial hearts
Is an artificial heart the same as a heart transplant?
No. An artificial heart is a device, while a transplant uses a donor human heart.
Is an artificial heart permanent?
It is usually temporary and used while waiting for a transplant.
Is an LVAD the same as an artificial heart?
No. An LVAD supports the heart, while an artificial heart replaces its function.
Can an artificial heart cure heart failure?
It helps manage severe heart failure but does not cure the condition.
