An artificial heart with the right connection

Alex Robinson

Canadian Medical Association Journal 1996; 154: 515-517

Alex Robinson is a freelance medical writer working in Ottawa.

Abstract

Led by Dr. Tofy Mussivand at the University of Ottawa Heart Institute, a team of Canadian medical scientists, engineers, economists, physicians and medical devices manufacturers is working to bring a prototype artificial heart closer to clinical trials. Key to this effort is the development of an electrical connector that can function for a long period in the harsh environment of the human body. Such a connector will enable various components of the artificial heart, such as the internal battery, to be replaced independently. As well as being of obvious benefit to people with end-stage heart disease, a Canadian-made artificial heart has export potential that should help to redress the country's large trade deficit in medical devices.

| CMAJ February 15, 1996 (vol 154, no 4) |