Syncardia Total Artificial Heart (TAH)

The Syncardia Total Artificial Heart (TAH) is a pneumatically powered pump that replaces a person's failing heart. It is placed within the patient's pericardial space after the failing native heart has been removed. Just like a human heart, the SynCardia TAH is pulsatile and consists of two ventricles and four valves that pump blood throughout the body. The TAH is made of a special biocompatible plastic, which offers a high degree of fatigue resistance and strength for long-term durability.

Syncardia Components

	The 70cc TAH is approved as a bridge to transplant in the U.S., Europe, and Canada for people who are: Suffering from end-stage, irreversible heart failure affecting both sides of their heart (biventricular failure) Eligible to receive a heart transplant or likely to become eligible
	The 50cc TAH is approved as a bridge to transplant in Europe and Canada for people who are: Suffering from end-stage, irreversible heart failure affecting both sides of their heart (biventricular failure) Eligible to receive a heart transplant or likely to become eligible. In the U.S., the 50cc TAH is undergoing an FDA clinical trial for use as a bridge to transplant in both adult and pediatric patients.
	Companion 2 (C2) Hospital Driver: Using either external or compressor-generated air, the C2 Driver provides pneumatic, pulsatile pressure to the 70cc or 50cc Total Artificial Heart through two drivelines that connect to the TAH cannulae. The driver also supplies independent, adjustable vacuum and pressure to the left and right ventricles, allowing performance to be customized to each patient’s needs. During use, the C2 Driver is docked in either the Hospital Cart or the Caddy for easy transportation and charging.
	The Freedom Driver: The Freedom Driver is powered by two lithium-ion batteries that can be recharged through either a standard electrical outlet or a car charger. This allows patients to recharge their batteries while traveling, during the day while stationary and at night while they are sleeping. The batteries provide power to the motor that drives the internal pneumatic piston, which creates precisely calibrated pulses of air that power the implanted TAH.

Is the TAH different from an LVAD?

Yes. A left ventricular assist device (LVAD) is a heart pump that is implanted next to the failing heart and supports the left ventricle only. In contrast, the TAH replaces, and occupies the space of, the removed failing heart and pumps blood through both the left and right ventricles.

Unlike other mechanical circulatory support (MCS) devices, such as left ventricular assist devices (LVADs) that assist the left side of the failing heart, the SynCardia TAH replaces both the left and right sides of the failing heart. In order to fit more patients, there are two sizes: the 70cc TAH and the 50cc TAH.

Syncardia Resources

	A Guide for Patients and their Families
	Syncardia Patient Resources

Syncardia Total Artificial Heart (TAH)

The 70cc TAH is approved as a bridge to transplant in the U.S., Europe, and Canada for people who are:

Suffering from end-stage, irreversible heart failure affecting both sides of their heart (biventricular failure)

Eligible to receive a heart transplant or likely to become eligible

The 50cc TAH is approved as a bridge to transplant in Europe and Canada for people who are:

Suffering from end-stage, irreversible heart failure affecting both sides of their heart (biventricular failure)

Eligible to receive a heart transplant or likely to become eligible.

In the U.S., the 50cc TAH is undergoing an FDA clinical trial for use as a bridge to transplant in both adult and pediatric patients.

Companion 2 (C2) Hospital Driver:

The Freedom Driver:

A Guide for Patients and their Families

Syncardia Patient Resources