Types of artificial heart devices. From LVAD to Aeson – A Guide to Mechanical Heart Support
Types of artificial heart devices. From LVAD to Aeson – A Guide to Mechanical Heart Support
Highlighted in medical news – July 28, 2025
1. A New Step for Heart Replacement in Europe
Carmat, a medical company from France, has received updated approval for its Aeson artificial heart. This approval comes under Europe’s stricter Medical Devices Regulation (MDR). The Aeson heart is used for patients with severe heart failure as a bridge to heart transplant. It is now the only fully implantable artificial heart approved in Europe.
2. What Makes Aeson Special?
The Aeson heart is fully implanted inside the chest. It replaces both sides of the heart and pumps blood using a system that mimics a natural heartbeat. It connects to an external battery through a small cable that exits the body. The company hopes this design will improve comfort and safety for patients.
3. How Is Aeson Different from Other Devices?
Aeson offers a new approach to total heart replacement and may soon enter the U.S. market, providing an additional option for patients with end-stage heart failure.
There are several types of artificial heart devices, each designed to support the heart in a different way. The main types include:
1. LVAD – Helps the left side of the heart pump blood. The real heart stays in place. A small controller and battery are carried in a shoulder bag. Example: An adult male with severe heart failure and receives an LVAD to help support his heart while waiting for a transplant. He goes home wearing a shoulder bag that holds the external controller and batteries. He feels stronger and is able to walk short distances again.
2. RVAD – Supports the right side of the heart. Often used temporarily after surgery. Example:
A female patient has an LVAD implanted, but after surgery, her right side of the heart becomes weak and struggles to pump blood to the lungs. Doctors implant an RVAD temporarily to support the right ventricle. After two weeks, her right heart recovers, and the RVAD is removed.
3. BiVAD – Uses both LVAD and RVAD to help both sides of the heart, but the real heart is still inside.
4. Portable Total Artificial Heart (SynCardia) – Replaces the whole heart. It needs an external air-pumping machine called the Freedom Driver, carried in a backpack.
5. Aeson (Carmat) – Fully replaces the heart and works with a battery-powered system. It is fully implanted in the chest and is currently approved in Europe only.
