Temporary heart pump could save lives

Posted on Nov 3, 06 01:50 AM PDT

U.K. experts have developed an artificial pump that could help revive dying hearts, saving thousands of lives in the process. When used in conjunction with a cocktail of drugs, this temporary pump enables the ailing heart to rest and regenerate itself. Initial medical trials showed a success rate of 75%, and subsequent improvements could potentially remove the need for heart transplants. This new development is known as the Left Ventricular Assist Device (LVAD), and is used in patients who are suffering from extremely severe heart failure while waiting for a transplant. Research has shown that the heart, like our liver, when left all by itself is capable of regeneration - giving hope to those who look toward the donor organ list every day.

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