Surgeons have achieved a medical breakthrough by implanting an artificial titanium heart powered by magnetic levitation (maglev) technology. The BiVACOR Total Artificial Heart (TAH) uses a maglev-driven rotor to circulate blood, aiming to aid patients awaiting heart transplants. The device was successfully tested on a patient for eight days before a donor heart was available. BiVACOR hopes to use this technology as a long-term heart replacement, potentially saving countless lives.

How does maglev technology work in an artificial heart?n

Maglev technology uses the natural repelling forces of opposing magnetic poles to keep the rotor suspended without contact, minimizing wear and tear and allowing the artificial heart to pump blood efficiently.

Artificial hearts have been a monumental advancement in medicine. The TAH by BiVACOR is particularly notable due to its use of maglev technology, commonly seen in high-speed trains capable of exceeding speeds of 300 km/h. This innovation could bridge the gap for the estimated 100,000 patients in immediate need of heart transplants, offering hope and improved quality of life for many individuals suffering from heart disease.