BiVACOR total artificial heart – implantability enhancements

Project Lead

Professor Chris Hayward, Victor Chang Cardiac Research Institute  

Project Team

Dr Paul Janz, VCCRI; Dr Sanjay Dutta, VCCRI; Prof Jason Kovacic, VCCRI; Dr Frank Nestler, BiVACOR; Dr Daniel Timms, BiVACOR

Industry Partner

BiVACOR Pty Ltd

Project Summary

Problem

Heart failure is a widespread and critical condition globally, with heart transplantation being the standard treatment. However, the limited availability of donor organs necessitates mechanical support for many patients while on the transplant waiting list. Current mechanical support devices, like left ventricular assist devices (LVADs), only support the left side of the heart, leaving right heart failure unaddressed, which limits patient outcomes and quality of life.

Solution

The BiVACOR total artificial heart (TAH) aims to address the limitations of existing mechanical support devices by replacing both ventricles of the heart, providing comprehensive biventricular support. Utilising MAGLEV rotary blood pump technology, the BiVACOR TAH offers pulsatile pump output during rest and exercise, with a reduced risk of hemolysis and improved balance between left and right heart pump output. The project, led by the Victor Chang Cardiac Research Institute, seeks to enhance the implantability of the BiVACOR TAH by improving cuff connectors, developing a human training rig for surgical training, testing the feasibility of a pump harness/stabiliser, and refining surgical tools for implantation

Impact

The BiVACOR TAH presents a significant commercial opportunity, potentially rivalling the market size of LVADs. It aims to bridge the gap in current mechanical support devices by providing comprehensive biventricular support, thus improving patient outcomes, survival rates, and quality of life. From a health economic perspective, the BiVACOR TAH could reduce waiting times for heart transplants and lower healthcare costs. The project engages key stakeholders, including surgeons, cardiologists, and patients, through KOL endorsements, hospital partnerships, and dissemination of project outcomes via publications and conferences. This initiative addresses a critical unmet need in cardiovascular medicine and holds substantial potential for both commercial success and positive health outcomes.