Duke University Hospital Becomes Second-Ever to Implant BiVACOR Total Artificial Heart

Duke University Hospital made a significant breakthrough by performing the world's second implantation of the BiVACOR Total Artificial Heart. In August 2024, the procedure provided critical support as it maintained the circulation of patient Donavan Harbison for 10 days while he awaited a donor heart.

The pioneering work by the Duke Transplant Team highlights continuing advancements in artificial heart technology. Reports from Duke Today and other sources in early October 2024 confirm that the device served as a vital bridge to transplant, offering new hope for patients in similar critical conditions.