Definition

Noun: - A specific type of mechanical device designed to replace the function of a human heart, named after its developer, Dr. Robert Jarvik. It represents an early and notable model in the history of mechanical circulatory support devices.

Usage Examples

• Noun:
  • The patient received a Jarvik artificial heart as a bridge to transplant.
  • Early models of the Jarvik artificial heart were pioneering but had limitations.

Advanced Usage

• The term is often used in historical or medical contexts to discuss the evolution of heart replacement technology and bioengineering.
• It can be part of discussions on medical ethics, the history of surgery, or the development of permanent implantable devices.

Variants and Related Words

• Artificial heart (n): The general category of devices that the Jarvik heart belongs to.
• Ventricular assist device (VAD) (n): A related but often distinct type of circulatory support device.
• Total artificial heart (n): A term that may encompass the Jarvik heart and other similar devices designed to fully replace the native heart.

Synonyms

• Mechanical heart: A more general synonym.
• Prosthetic heart: A synonym emphasizing its replacement function.

Related Phrases/Idioms

• : A common clinical scenario for which such devices were used.
• : A goal for later generations of artificial heart technology.

Noun

1. a kind of artificial heart that has been used with some success