The implantation of an artificial heart is a highly complex "open-heart" procedure that requires the patient to be placed on a cardiopulmonary bypass (heart-lung) machine. During the surgery, the damaged ventricles are removed, and the inflow and outflow "cuffs" of the artificial heart are sutured to the atria, the aorta, and the pulmonary artery. The success of the surgery depends on achieving a perfect seal at these connection points to prevent internal bleeding, which is a common early complication.

Post-operative care is intensive and requires a multidisciplinary team of surgeons, cardiologists, and specialized nurses. Patients must be maintained on a precise regimen of anticoagulants (blood thinners) like warfarin to prevent the formation of clots within the device. You can find data regarding the clinical outcomes and survival rates associated with these surgical protocols in the Artificial Heart Market analysis. Regular monitoring of "pump parameters" through the external controller allows clinicians to detect early signs of device wear or physiological changes in the patient.

Long-term management also involves psychological support. Living with a mechanical device that produces a constant "whirring" sound instead of a heartbeat can be a significant adjustment for patients and their families. Furthermore, the reliance on batteries means that patients must be meticulously organized, always ensuring they have a backup power source available. Despite these challenges, the ability of an artificial heart to bridge a patient to a successful transplant remains one of the most remarkable achievements of modern biomedical engineering.