Definition

1. Noun:
   • A mechanical device that replaces the natural heart: An "artificial heart" is a prosthetic pump surgically implanted to perform the function of a biological heart, typically used as a temporary measure while waiting for a transplant or, in some cases, as a permanent replacement.

Usage Examples

• Noun:
  • The patient received an artificial heart while awaiting a donor organ.
  • Advances in biomedical engineering have significantly improved the durability of the artificial heart.

Advanced Usage

• "to be fitted with an artificial heart": to have an artificial heart surgically implanted.
  • After the heart failure, he was fitted with an artificial heart.

Variants and Related Words

• Ventricular Assist Device (VAD) (n): A mechanical pump that supports heart function and blood flow but does not fully replace the heart. While related, a VAD is not synonymous with a total artificial heart.
  • The doctor recommended a left ventricular assist device as a bridge to transplant.

Synonyms

• Mechanical heart: A synonym emphasizing the engineered, non-biological nature of the device.
• Cardiac prosthesis: A more technical term for an artificial device that replaces the heart or its parts.

Related Phrases

• Total Artificial Heart (TAH): A specific type of artificial heart that completely replaces the ventricles of the native heart.
  • The SynCardia system is a well-known example of a Total Artificial Heart.

Noun

1. a pump that replaces the natural heart