At first scientists will use two pumps working together to produce blood to the rest of the body. Eventually one screw-shaped pump could replace both valves, says Frazier. But before any constant flow pump replaces the human heart, years of studies are required to test its efficacy, says Timothy Baldwin of the National Institutes of Health. "I see the potential for constant flow device as a total artificial heart replacement," said Baldwin. "The research going on right now is just the first step...but 50,000 to 100,000 people could benefit from good circulatory support if we had a device with no safety concerns." Permanently eliminating one of the most fundamental signs of being alive is a big deal. Scientists aren't sure what the long-term effects of constant blood pressure might be. Both Baldwin and Frazier speculate that the heart's natural pulsing action might help inhibit arterial plaques or blood clots from forming, but aren't sure. Patients who have had ventricular assist devices for years have done well, one reason why doctors are confident that completely replacing the entire heart will work well. Removing a person's pulse is a serious matter, but some people are blase enough to find humor in the situation. "Some teens play tricks on their friends with them," said Frazier, explaining a common gag among those with ventricular assist devices is to have a friend try and find their pulse. A pulse-less patient will also require some changes to medicine, says Matthew Franchek, a biomechanical engineer at the University of Houston who is helping to design the device as a complete heart replacement. "We used to say that the patient is alive and has a pulse," said Franchek, "Now we'll have to say that they are alive and have flow." Related Links: |
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