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Ochsner Implants First Total Artificial Heart In The Gulf South Region
New technology can save lives for those suffering from end-stage bi-ventricular heart failure
By: PR Newswire
Feb. 27, 2013 01:08 PM
NEW ORLEANS, Feb. 27, 2013 /PRNewswire/ -- The John Ochsner Heart & Vascular Institute (JOHVI) at Ochsner Medical Center has performed the Gulf South Region's first Total Artificial Heart (TAH) implant. The latest advancement in mechanical heart technology, the SynCardia TAH is the world's first and only FDA approved device. (Logo: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20130128/MM49869LOGO) From Louisiana to the Florida Panhandle, Ochsner is the only provider to offer this technology and is one of only 40 sites in the United States certified to implant the artificial heart. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), heart failure affects more than 20 million people worldwide with an additional 2 million new cases diagnosed annually. The artificial heart is a device that contains the same components as a real human heart. It serves as a bridge to heart transplant for patients who suffer from severe heart failure. Ochsner has been a national leader in innovative technologies and methods for diagnosing and treating patients with heart failure. Ochsner performed the first successful heart transplant in Louisiana in 1985, and has since performed over 800 heart transplants. "We are extremely proud to be the first cardiovascular team in the Gulf South Region to offer this technology to patients suffering from end-stage heart failure," said Hector Ventura, MD, Section Head, Heart Failure and Transplantation, Ochsner Medical Center. "The work demonstrates our commitment to cutting-edge procedures and marks another significant milestone for our organization." During the nearly eight-hour surgery, a talented team of physicians, nurses and medical professionals worked together to remove the patient's diseased heart and implant the Total Artificial Heart. For the privacy and protection of those involved, no information will be released on the patient or their family at this time. Aditya Bansal, MD, Cardiothoracic Surgery, John Ochsner Heart & Vascular Institute, was the lead surgeon who performed the first Total Artificial Heart procedure. "The team worked tirelessly to make this happen," said Bansal. "As a physician, one of the most rewarding things we can do is to restore the quality of life to a patient. Thanks to modern technology, the Artificial Heart is a lifesaver and a viable option for the patient while waiting for a heart transplant." How It Works The SynCardia Total Artificial Heart consists of two biocompatible pumping chambers with four valves. These pumping chambers are connected to an external power supply called a "driver" by two small air tubes known as "drivelines." The drivelines exit the patient's abdominal wall just below the rib cage. Once implanted, the TAH pumps blood to vital organs, helping patients become better transplant candidates. Because of its unique design, the Total Artificial Heart doesn't require sensors, motors or electronics of any type inside the body. "The Total Artificial Heart leads to recovery of organ function in the most critically ill patients, a necessary step in order for the patient to be eligible for a heart transplant, which is the ultimate goal," said Gene Parrino, MD, Section Head of Cardiothoracic Surgery, John Ochsner Heart & Vascular Institute. To qualify for TAH, patients must:
The John Ochsner Heart & Vascular Institute has received numerous accolades. U.S. News & World Report named Ochsner's Cardiology and Heart Surgery departments among the top 20 across the country in its 2012-13 Best Hospitals rankings. Additionally, Healthgrades ranked Ochsner #1 in Louisiana for Overall Cardiac Services, Cardiology Services and Coronary Interventional Procedures. For more information visit, www.ochsner.org/TotalArtificialHeart or call 504-842-3925. ***Photos available upon request*** Ochsner Health System is southeast Louisiana's largest non-profit, academic, multi-specialty, healthcare delivery system with eight hospitals and 38 health centers in Louisiana. Ochsner has been named the Consumer Choice for Healthcare in New Orleans for 16 consecutive years and is the only Louisiana hospital recognized by U.S. News and World Report as a "Best Hospital" across 11 specialty categories. Ochsner employs more than 13,000 employees, over 850 physicians in over 90 medical specialties and subspecialties and conducts over 300 clinical research trials annually. Ochsner Health System is proud to be a tobacco-free environment. For more information, please visit ochsner.org and follow us on Twitter and Facebook. About the SynCardia temporary Total Artificial Heart SOURCE Ochsner Health System Web 2.0 Latest News
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