An implantable mechanical device that takes over the action of the heart or assists the heart in maintaining the circulation. There are 3 main types of artificial heart. An intra-aortic balloon pump, comprising a balloon in the aorta that inflates with each heartbeat, increases the volume of blood entering the circulation. A left ventricular assist device takes blood from the left ventricle and pumps it electrically into the abdominal aorta. There are also mechanical hearts, which are powered from outside the body, usually by compressed air. Problems with artificial hearts include the formation of blood clots within the device, and infection. They are therefore used as a temporary measure until a heart transplant can be performed.
Heart, artificial |
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