World's First Artificial Heart Transplant Performed

For the first time ever in medical history, an artificial heart has been transplanted, the Daily Mail reports.

French doctors who performed the transplant confirmed that the male patient is awake and responding well to the procedure. Marcello Conviti, head of the Carmat biomedical firm, said: "We are delighted with this first implant, although it is premature to draw conclusions given that a single implant has been performed and that we are in the early postoperative phase." Mr. Conviti explained that the artificial heart, which is three times heavier than the actual heart, can possibly beat for up to five years.

Allan Carpenter, a surgeon, said: "It's about giving patients a normal social life with the least dependence on medication as possible. We've already seen these types of device but they had a relatively low autonomy. This heart will allow for more movement and less clotting. The study that is starting is being very closely watched in the medical field." French health minister, Marisol Touraine said: "This news brings great pride to France. It shows we are pioneers in healthcare that we can invent, that we can carry an innovation that will also bring great hope to plenty of people."

The artificial heart weighs two pounds and is developed by a team of engineers from Airbus parent company EADS. It mimics heart muscle contractions and contains sensors that adapt the blood flow to the patient's moves. The heart is also powered by external, wearable lithium-ion batteries. Inside the heart, surfaces that come into contact with human blood are made partly from bovine tissue instead of synthetic materials such as plastic that can cause blood clots. However, the size and the weight of the artificial heart may only fit 86 percent of men and approximately 20 percent of women.