An Australian man has made history as the first person to leave a hospital with a total artificial heart implant, achieving over 100 days of survival with the BiVACOR device before receiving a donor heart transplant in early March 2025.

This achievement marks a significant milestone, as he is the sixth recipient of the BiVACOR device globally, but the first to utilize it outside of a hospital for an extended period.

The patient, a man in his 40s from New South Wales, underwent a six-hour surgery to receive the BiVACOR Total Artificial Heart (TAH) at St. Vincent's Hospital in Sydney on November 22, 2024.

Experts acknowledge the innovation of the BiVACOR but highlight ongoing questions regarding its long-term functionality and costs.

After being discharged from the hospital in February 2025, the patient was able to manage daily activities and expressed interest in socializing, showcasing the device's viability outside a hospital environment.

The surgery was led by Dr. Paul Jansz, who expressed pride in being part of this pioneering medical advancement that could resolve many issues associated with mechanical heart support.

Prior to this case, five patients in the United States had received the BiVACOR device during an early feasibility study by the FDA, but none had been discharged from the hospital with the implant.

The BiVACOR implant is designed to serve as a temporary solution for individuals with end-stage biventricular heart failure while they await a donor heart.

With over 23 million people suffering from heart failure globally each year, and only about 6,000 receiving a donor heart, the need for alternatives like the BiVACOR is increasingly critical.

The BiVACOR TAH utilizes magnetic levitation technology to emulate natural blood flow, featuring a single moving part that reduces wear and tear compared to traditional heart devices.

The article emphasizes the importance of government and private funding for scientific research, celebrating this medical achievement amidst challenging times.

The Australian government has invested $50 million to support the development and commercialization of the BiVACOR device, which is still in clinical trials and awaiting further regulatory approval.