The Artificial Heart: Medical Improvements on Infections and Strokes

Authors

  • Lavatharshan Aramboo McGill University

Abstract

Artificial hearts are designed to eliminate the need for heart transplants. However, these devices are prone to creating complications such as infections or strokes. The complications occur from the mechanical aspects of the device. Therefore, the devices’ effectiveness is influenced by their design. This paper provides an overview of the different artificial hearts that are currently being researched. Three devices are investigated: the total artificial heart, the left ventricular assist device, and the total internal artificial heart. Reviewing research shows that the total artificial heart may result in both infections and strokes.  The left ventricular assist device lowered the probability of these complications but did not eliminate the risk altogether. While the internal artificial heart was able to eliminate the risk of infections entirely, it introduced new complications.  Given these results, artificial hearts still require further research to improve upon the smaller technical aspects.

Author Biography

Lavatharshan Aramboo, McGill University

B.Eng Mechanical Engineering

Minor in Biomedical Engineering

Published

2020-09-15

Issue

Vol. 5 No. 1 (2020)

Section

Articles

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