Jarvik7

The Jarvik-7 is an artificial heart developed by Robert Jarvik. It was the first permanent artificial heart implanted into a human. The first implantation took place on December 2, 1982, when surgeon William DeVries implanted the device into Barney Clark, a dentist. Clark lived for 112 days with the Jarvik-7, surviving until his death from a stroke on March 23, 1983.

The Jarvik-7 is a pneumatically powered device, meaning it is operated by compressed air. It consists of two plastic ventricles that replace the patient's own ventricles. These ventricles are connected to the body's circulatory system and are inflated and deflated by an external console. This external console, often large and cumbersome, houses the air compressors and control systems necessary for the heart's operation. Early versions required patients to remain connected to this console, limiting mobility.

While the Jarvik-7 represented a significant milestone in the development of artificial organs, it also presented numerous challenges. Patients often suffered from complications such as blood clots, strokes, and infections. The device's reliance on external power and the risk of mechanical failure were also significant concerns. Despite these limitations, the Jarvik-7 paved the way for future advancements in artificial heart technology, leading to the development of more sophisticated and reliable devices. The knowledge gained from the Jarvik-7 and subsequent implantations contributed to the ongoing research and development of ventricular assist devices (VADs) and total artificial hearts.