The First In-Human BiVACOR Total Artificial Heart Implantation: An Interview With Alexis Shafii

In this remarkable interview, CTSNet Editor-in-Chief Joel Dunning speaks with Alexis Shafii, professor of surgery and surgical director of heart transplantation at The Texas Heart Institute at Baylor College of Medicine, about the first in-human BiVACOR total artificial heart implantation.  

They discuss the preclinical work and the history behind the development of this innovative device. Dr. Shafii also showcases the device and explains its functionality in detail. They also highlight the first patient who received the BiVACOR total artificial heart implantation and provide insights into learning the nuances of this operation.   

Additionally, they explore the critical aspects of explanting the device and the importance of understanding how to explant the heart. Furthermore, they discuss the next steps for gaining approval of the BiVACOR total artificial heart, including the feasibility trial, and speculate on where we might be in five years regarding total artificial heart implantation.  

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