IIT Kanpur has developed an artificial heart to help people with acute cardiac problems. Animal trials will begin next year.
IIT Kanpur Director Abhay Karandikar said that heart disease was increasing rapidly and many patients were being advised of heart transplants. After the success of the trial on animals, heart transplantation in humans will begin within two years. This will help reduce dependence on imports.
About the project: This feat has been possible under project Hridyantra- a challenge-based program to create a sophisticated artificial heart, commonly known as a Left Ventricular Assist Device (LVAD), for patients with end-stage heart failure. Padma Shree awardee Sudha Murthy and the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) have provided the seed funding.
