FDA Approves Use of Temporary Artificial Heart (from ATSNN), page 1

On Monday, the FDA approved the use of the first temporary artificial heart to help save patients at risk for death because they are still awaiting a heart transplant. Though a risky operation in and of itself, it could act as a lifesaving "bridge."

www.cnn.com
WASHINGTON (AP) -- The Food and Drug Administration approved the first temporary artificial heart for use in patients at risk of dying as they await a heart transplant, device manufacturer SynCardia Systems announced Monday.

The CardioWest Total Artificial Heart takes over for the patient"s failing heart, restoring normal blood pressure and shoring up such organs as the kidney and liver. The bridge device, manufactured by the Tucson, Arizona-based company, helps keep patients alive long enough for the eventual heart transplant

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I have an uncle who needed a heart transplant and was very fortunate to receive one. In fact, he is doing quite well but he said he heard of many patients, some quite young, who were less fortunate. Perhaps one day a procedure like this will indeed mean the difference between life and death for some people.