Australian Patient Becomes First in the World to Be Discharged with a Total Artificial Heart

In a groundbreaking advancement in cardiovascular medicine, a 40-year-old Australian patient with terminal heart failure has become the first person in the world to be discharged from the hospital with a total artificial heart before receiving a transplant. This achievement marks a milestone in the fight against heart failure and organ donation shortages.

The Revolutionary BiVACOR Device

The total artificial heart, known as BiVACOR, was designed by Australian bioengineer Daniel Timms. This titanium device uses magnetic levitation technology to replicate the blood flow of a human heart, completely replacing the function of both ventricles.

Unlike other ventricular assist devices (VADs), the BiVACOR has no valves or mechanical bearings, reducing wear and increasing durability. Its design allows it to self-regulate, adjusting to the body's needs during both rest and physical activity.

Surgical Procedure and Recovery

The BiVACOR implantation surgery took place on November 22, 2024, at St. Vincent’s Hospital in Sydney.

• The six-hour procedure was led by cardiothoracic and transplant surgeon Paul Jansz.
• After the operation, the patient spent several weeks in intensive care before being transferred to a recovery unit.
• For more than three months, the device maintained his circulation, allowing him to be discharged and continue his life outside the hospital.
   

Successful Transplant and Future Prospects

After living over 100 days with the total artificial heart, the patient received a donor heart transplant in early March 2025. His recovery has been positive, setting a new standard in the treatment of terminal heart failure.

Previously, the five patients who had received the BiVACOR in U.S. clinical trials remained hospitalized until their transplant, with a maximum wait time of 27 days. This success in Australia proves that patients with total artificial hearts can live relatively normal lives while awaiting a donor organ.

Addressing Heart Failure and Organ Shortages

Heart failure affects over 23 million people worldwide, yet only around 6,000 receive a heart transplant each year, highlighting the urgent need for alternative solutions like the BiVACOR artificial heart.

This groundbreaking device not only offers a viable option for those awaiting transplants but could, in the future, function indefinitely without requiring a donor organ—revolutionizing the treatment of heart failure.

Conclusion

This Australian patient’s case represents a significant breakthrough in cardiovascular medicine, demonstrating that it is possible to live more than 100 days with a total artificial heart outside a hospital setting.

The BiVACOR device opens new possibilities for treating terminal heart failure and could be the key to addressing the global shortage of donor organs in the future.