MD Insider provides a unique inside look into medical conditions and treatments to uncover ground-breaking advances that are truly transforming healthcare. The series features insight from acclaimed cardiologist, Dean Kereiakes, MD, breaking down exciting innovations and treatments available right here in the Tristate.
Dr. Kereiakes: I’m Dr. Dean Kereiakes, Chairman of The Christ Hospital Heart & Vascular Institute. The Christ Hospital has achieved a groundbreaking milestone, completing the fourth-ever human implantation of the BiVACOR Total Artificial Heart as part of an FDA-approved clinical trial. This next-generation device represents a transformative leap in cardiac care, offering a lifeline to patients with severe heart failure.
The procedure, which was performed to “bridge” a patient to heart transplantation who would otherwise not have survived, was conducted through The Carl & Edyth Lindner Center for Research and Education, underscoring The Christ Hospital’s commitment to advancing care through innovation and research. BiVACOR is one component of our mechanical cardiac support program which has received generous support from the Harold C. Schott Foundation. That support, coupled with having an internationally renowned heart surgeon, Dr. Rob Dowling, who has been involved with development of several mechanical cardiac support devices, we were able to bring this leading-edge technology to Cincinnati.
Dr. Dowling: I’m Dr. Rob Dowling, The Chris and Trey Heekin Family Endowed Chair for Cardiac Transplantation at The Christ Hospital. Unlike left ventricular assist devices, this revolutionary technology provides support to both sides of the failing heart and pulsatile blood flow to the body. BiVACOR has only one moving part and, unlike other “heart pumps”, appears to have little or no damaging effect on blood cells. This difference suggests that BiVACOR may be safer and better tolerated than prior heart pumps, but that’s why we are involved in the study. Eventually, BiVACOR may replace heart transplantation for select patients. Our patient was walking laps around the heart unit within days of having the procedure.
Dr. Kereiakes: At The Christ Hospital, we remain committed to pioneering advanced heart care. If you or a loved one is suffering from heart failure, call 513-960-7058 or visit TheChristHospital.com/heart to learn more.