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The FDA has given approval for limited use of an artificial heart
The AbioCor artificial heart does not have any wires that protrude from the chest, unlike previous devices. Despite limited testing, the FDA has given it a humanitarian exemption and approved its use in people.
GDO Report
Only patients who are seriously ill in ineligible for transplant will be able to have an implant of a permanent artificial heart. The artificial heart is called AbioCor and is produced by Abiomed Inc. The artificial heart is made of titanium and plastic and is the size of a grapefruit. It weighs two pounds. The artificial heart promises patients just a few extra months and has a price tag of around $250,000 It is widely believed that only 25 to 50 heart failure patients will meet the requirements for the device each year. |
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