In many cases, if the appropriate heart is not available for Transplant or Heart Transplant is not deemed possible on medical grounds or due to age more than 60 years then the other alternative is Implanting an Artificial Heart (LVAD). These Hearts are made of Titanium alloy and polymer with an Axial or Centrifugal Pump are implanted inside the Chest and connected to Heart and Aorta. 2 wires run from the Pump outside the body to the Rechargeable batteries carried on the Shoulder.
The LVAD patients can regain normal activity within 3 weeks of the Implant. These Devices have the advantage of not requiring any Immunosuppressive drugs and NO Waiting time (Unlike Heart Transplants). Their ONLY MAJOR drawback of the LVAd’s are the External Battery worn as a BATTERY PACK which needs Charging every 8 hours.
