In a first, an Australian man became the first patient in the world to be discharged from a hospital fitted with a completely artificial heart. The man, who is reportedly in his 40s, received an artificial heart surgery after he suffered from severe heart failure. 

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The artificial heart, called BiVacor Total Artificial Heart, was given to him after he suffered from severe heart failure at St Vincent's Hospital Sydney last November.  

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The BiVacor Total Artificial Heart is a groundbreaking medical device designed to replace a failing heart in patients with end-stage heart failure. 

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This artificial heart is made from titanium, ensuring high biocompatibility, corrosion resistance, and strength. The BiVacor Total Artificial Heart features a single, magnetically levitating rotor that pumps blood to the lungs and the rest of the body. 

In a statement, St Vincent's said, "The patient holds the record for the longest time a BiVacor patient has gone from implant to transplant – a major step toward the future of artificial heart technology." 

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With this innovation, the long-term goal is for patients to live with the device indefinitely without needing a transplant," the hospital added. 

BiVacor Total Artificial Heart device has two separate pump chambers, each with a unique impeller design, allowing for efficient blood flow. Also, the device is powered by a small, external, and portable controller that exits through the stomach. 

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The BiVacor Total Artificial Heart has undergone successful implantation in a first-in-human clinical trial, with the first patient receiving the device in July 2024. 

The trial aims to evaluate the safety and performance of the device as a bridge-to-transplant solution for patients with severe biventricular heart failure. 

(With inputs from agencies)