A total artificial heart is a pump that is temporarily implanted in your chest to replace your damaged heart while you wait for a heart transplant. The pump circulates blood to and from your heart and is controlled by a machine called a driver that is located outside your body.
In 1985, UPMC surgeons implanted the nation's second Jarvik Artificial Heart as a bridge-to-transplantation. Since then, UPMC surgeons have pioneered numerous total artificial heart procedures, providing lifesaving care to people who are on the heart transplant waiting list.
A total artificial heart is a pump that is temporarily implanted in your chest to replace your damaged heart while you wait for a heart transplant. The pump circulates blood to and from your heart and is controlled by a machine called a driver that is located outside your body.
You may need a total artificial heart to provide temporary treatment for heart failure while you wait for a heart transplant.
You may be a candidate for a total artificial heart if you:
Receiving a total artificial heart device can be lifesaving, but it is a major surgery that comes with risks, including:
From implanting the Jarvik Artificial Heart in 1985 to today's advanced circulatory support devices, the UPMC Heart and Vascular Institute continually sets the standard in technological innovation and clinical excellence.
Getting a total artificial heart implanted requires major surgery. Your doctor will recommend several tests, such as imaging exams, heart tests, lung function tests, and blood tests, to determine if a total artificial heart is right for you.
Your doctor will review the risks and benefits of the procedure, as well as what device is best for you. Your care team will also tell you how to prepare, not only for surgery, but also for life with a total artificial heart.
Having a total artificial heart requires lifestyle changes. You will need to take certain precautions to care for the device and take medications, such as blood thinners. Before you have the procedure, your doctor will discuss what to expect during and after surgery.
A total artificial heart procedure can take four to nine hours to perform, depending on your treatment needs.
A total artificial heart implantation requires open heart surgery, although minimally invasive techniques may be an option in some cases. Your doctor will talk with you about whether the procedure can be performed using minimally invasive techniques.
On the day of your surgery, you will have general anesthesia, which means you will be asleep through the procedure. A ventilator will help you breathe. A heart-lung bypass machine will maintain blood flow to your body throughout the surgery.
Your surgeon will make an incision in your chest to access your heart. The surgeon will implant the device and ensure it is working before closing the incision.
After the surgery, you will spend time in the cardiac intensive care unit (CICU) and will likely need ventilator support as your body adjusts to the new device. The ventilator helps you breathe as you recover.
When ready, you'll move into a hospital room, where your care team will help you prepare to go home. The length of stay varies for each patient, but you may spend two to three weeks in the hospital after surgery. During this time, you'll learn how to care for yourself and your device.
When you're able to go home, plan to have a family member or caregiver available to help you for a few weeks. It's important that you follow all instructions for maintenance, medications, exercise, and healthy eating. This will ensure you get the best results with your new device.
You will need to care for the device and lead a heart-healthy lifestyle. Your doctor may recommend cardiac rehabilitation to help you grow stronger and learn healthy habits.
With a total artificial heart, you will need to avoid:
You should let your surgeon know if you have:
Although having a total artificial heart implanted is a temporary treatment for end-stage heart failure, it can help to prolong your life while you wait for a heart transplant.
Your life expectancy after an artificial heart procedure depends on several factors that your doctor will discuss with you. However, people have lived for months or years with artificial hearts while waiting for heart transplants.
An artificial heart procedure is a successful bridge-to-transplant treatment option for many people who are waiting for a heart transplant. Although a total artificial heart is currently a temporary treatment option for some patients, researchers are working to develop a permanent artificial heart.
When you choose UPMC for total artificial heart surgery, you will receive:
By UPMC Editorial Staff. Last reviewed on 2025-12-09.
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