Ecobreves – MEXICO: A Strong, Inexpensive Heart

By IPS Correspondents and - - Reprint | | Print |

MEXICO CITY, Apr 25 2004 (IPS) - A multifaceted artificial heart — low in cost and high in efficiency — has been developed by scientists at the Autonomous Metropolitan University of Mexico (UAM) and will be put to the test in pigs and sheep. It is hoped it will prove suitable for humans. It is a unique invention, say its creators, who since 2002 have been working on the project sponsored by Mexico's National Cardiology Institute, Innova Mexico, the Institute of Circulatory Assistance and the Texas Heart Institute.

Unlike other artificial hearts, which have limited applications, the UAM version can be used in patients awaiting heart transplants, in processes of cardiovascular recovery or during surgery, when a diseased heart needs to be replaced for a short period.

Made of silicon, the new model costs just 2,000 dollars, compared to the 45,000 dollars of the artificial hearts now available on the market, and could be ready for use in human patients within two years.

Cardiovascular diseases are the leading cause of death in Mexico, in large part due to the increase in risk factors such as consumption of junk food, especially fried corn dishes, and of soft drinks and carbohydrates.