French scientists, in the race to build a better artificial heart, have turned to technology from satellites and airplanes to create a heart that they say responds better to the human body. The new device which was shown at a news conference in Paris, has so far only been tested in animals. Its makers hope it might one day help people survive without needing a human heart transplant.
American companies have already produced artificial hearts and scientists in Japan and South Korea are also working on versions. Above is a picture of an american artificial heart. The photo was courtesy of Abiomed. I believe England also is working on one.
However, the French artificial heart is the first to be able to determine its patients' needs and respond accordingly. And its maker is a subsidiary of the parent company of Airbus, the European Aeronautic Defense and Space Co. "It's the same principle in the airplane as in the body," said Patrick Coulombier, chief operating officer of Carmat, the manufacturer.
