Artificial Heart Research: An Historical Perspective

Abstract

This paper tracks the historical evolution of artificial heart technology, from its humble beginnings, to its relatively staggering current potential. While examining various milestones along this fascinating timeline, the paper attempts to shed light on some of the ethical, economic, and social dilemmas that have infused this history. In doing so, it strives to provide the reader with a sense of the various factors, some technical in nature and others purely societal, that have wielded influence on this evolutionary process.In conclusion, the paper proposes lessons for the future that can be gleaned from the experiences of heart researchers over the past several decades, and briefly assesses the impact that the development and proliferation of artificial heart technology will ultimately have on our nation’s health care system.