Artificial Hearts – The Beat Goes On

A few years ago, there was a lot of buzz about human trials for an artificial heart implant in the U.S. But after some well-publicized disappointments, mechanical heart research disappeared off the front page. Since then, the field has actually gained momentum, and exciting work has put us substantially closer to a time when heart transplant donors may be unnecessary.

Before we explore what is coming next, let’s quickly review the major milestones in the research to date. In the 1960s, scientists and engine.....