In the race to create the world’s first fully functioning artificial heart, French scientists have turned to technology from satellites and airplanes.
The new heart could save millions of lives if it works in humans. So far, it has only been tested in animals. The device was unveiled at a press conference in Paris on Monday.
US companies have already produced artificial hearts, and scientists in Japan and South Korea are also working on versions.
But the French artificial heart is the first to be able to determine patients’ needs and respond accordingly.
“It’s the same principle in the airplane as in the body,” said Patrick Coulombier, chief operating officer of Carmat, the heart’s manufacturer, a subsidiary of the European Aeronautics Defense and Space agency, makers of the Airbus plane.
Coulombier said the same tiny sensors that measure air pressure and altitude in an airplane or satellite are also in the artificial heart, detecting things like the heart’s pumping speed and the pressure on its walls.
That should allow the device to respond immediately if the patient needs more or less blood. The heart is expected to cost about 150,000 euros (US$192,140). The most advanced US artificial heart, made by the US company Abiomed, sells for up to US$250,000.
Abiomed was aware of the French project, but said it was ahead in the race.
“Our artificial heart has already been implanted in patients and is FDA-approved,” said Aimee Maillett, a company spokeswoman.
On average, Abiomed’s heart has extended patients’ lives by about five months.
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