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Despite clinical problems, intense press scrutiny, and criticism from some quarters, Robert K. Jarvik, MD, remains convinced that the artificial heart program not only is "do-able," but that it may be broadly applicable within a reasonable period of time.In addition to being a total replacement for the natural heart, the artificial heart may have use as a left ventricular assist device or as a bridge to transplantation, Jarvik said at the first annual "Year in Cardiology" symposium held recently at Northwestern University Medical School in Chicago.The 39-year-old Utah physician, head of the team that developed the Jarvik-7 heart used in the five patients who so far have received artificial hearts, said there are several important medical issues in the artificial heart program, with patient selection criteria at the top of the list."We need to recognize," he said, "when a patient is too far gone to benefit, and |
