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Technology

There is an abundance of different technologies available today to assist with the treatment of Congenital Heart Disease. These technologies range from Pulse Oximeters (a non-invasive device used to measure a patient’s oxygen saturation) to specialised equipment used in complex open-heart surgeries such as heart lung bypass machines.

This section of our website aims to bring information about these, and emerging technologies, to our readers. We currently have links to reputable websites covering the following technologies:

  • Heart Pumps (Artificial Heart and Left Ventricular Assist Device)
  • Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation (ECMO)
  • Pacemakers / Implanted Cardioverter Defibrillator

Please contact us if you are looking for information that we have not covered or if you have suggestions regarding the content on these pages.

Artificial Heart / Total Artificial Heart (TAV)
An artificial heart is a device that replaces the heart. Artificial hearts are typically used to bridge the time to heart transplantation, or to permanently replace the heart in case heart transplantation is impossible.

  • SynCardia Systems
    Total Facts
    Synopsis: Total Artificial Heart Timeline; Heart Failure Facts; Total Artificial Heart Facts; Donor Heart Facts.
    7 Things About Artificial Hearts That You Should Know
    Synopsis: Growing Demand for Artificial Hearts; The Most Used Artificial Heart; Duration of Support for Patients on Artificial Hearts; Improved Quality of Life; Highest Bridge to Transplant Rate; Reliability Statistics; Status of 2 Regulatory-Approved Devices and 1 Design Under Study

Left Ventricular Assist Device (LVAD)
An LVAD is a surgically implanted mechanical device that helps the heart pump blood

  • CHF Patients
    LVADs
    Synopsis: How does an LVAD work? The HeartMate LVAD is made by Thoratec; The Arrow LionHeart device was first implanted into an American on February 28 2001.
  • Medscape
    The Future is Here: Ventricular Assist Devices for the Failing Heart
    Synopsis: Abstract and Introduction; Types of VADs; First-generation Devices; Second-generation Devices; Third-generation Devices; Bridge to Transplantation; Destination Therapy; Bridge to Recovery; Expert Commentary; Five-year View.

LVAD Manufacturers
The following is a list of companies that manufacture LVADS. Please visit their websites for more information:

Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation (ECMO)
During ECMO the heart and lungs are bypassed and the blood is oxygenated outside the body (extracorporeal) by an artificial lung and circulates with the help of an external pump, allowing the heart and lungs to rest. This is similar to the heart-lung bypass machine used during open heart surgery.

Implantable Cardioverter Defibrillator
An implantable cardioverter-defibrillator (ICD) or automated implantable cardioverter defibrillator (AICD) is a device implantable inside the body, able to perform cardioversion, defibrillation and pacing of the heart. The device is therefore capable of correcting most life-threatening cardiac arrhythmias.

  • National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute
    What Is an Implantable Cardioverter Defibrillator?
    Synopsis: Who Needs an Implantable Cardioverter Defibrillator? How Does an Implantable Cardioverter Defibrillator Work? What To Expect During Implantable Cardioverter Defibrillator Surgery; What Are the Risks of Having an Implantable Cardioverter Defibrillator? How Will an Implantable Cardioverter Defibrillator Affect My Lifestyle? Clinical Trials.

Pacemakers
A cardiac pacemaker is an electronic device designed to monitor the heart's rhythm, and deliver a pulse to the heart at a programmed rate.

  • Heart Research Australia
    Pacemakers
    Synopsis: How do they work? Why is a pacemaker needed? Implanting a pacemaker; Living with a pacemaker; Precautions.

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