Lived 555 Days Without a Heart
Larkin carried the device that used compressed air and was placed in his heart for 18 months. However, during this time, thanks to the artificial heart, he managed to keep all his organs in working order and continued his life.
Larkin’s brother, who suffered from heart failure like himself, started using the same device after a while.
Cardiac surgeon Jonathan Haft from Michingan University stated in his statement that when he saw Larkin and his brother in the intensive care unit, they were both very sick and both needed a heart transplant. However, both Larkin and his brother did not have enough time for a heart transplant. Technology was also inadequate due to its unique anatomical structures, he said.
Larkin, who survived by carrying an artificial heart for about 18 months, thanked the person who donated his heart to him at the press conference and said that he wanted to meet his family. Larkin’s brother became one of those awaiting organ transplants after he had a healthy heart.
The organ transplant shortage that scientists are trying to overcome with technological developments is affecting millions of people globally, so the organ trafficking targeting young children is also increasing.
Technological Organ May Be The Solution
It is stated that the number of people waiting for organ transplantation in the USA is more than 120 thousand and dozens of people die every day because there is no organ transplant. Scientists state that the organs that will be produced with technological developments can prevent these losses.
