Electronic heart could save hundreds

Scientists have developed the world's first fully electronic heart for human transplant.

The revolutionary man-made organ - the size of a grapefruit - has been produced in the U.S. in partnership with doctors in Germany.

Until now transplant technology has only seen artificial hearts implanted alongside damaged organs to assist them. But the first recipient of the 'AbioCor' heart will have his or her natural heart removed entirely.

Dr Reiner Koerfer, of the Heart and Diabetes Centre in Bad Oeynhausen, predicts the electronic organ, developed at a cost of £15 million, could be ready for use before the end of the year and could prevent hundreds of deaths every year through lack of heart donors.

'It is truly a sensation,' he said. 'It should be better than a normal heart transplant as it eliminates the need for the anti-rejection drugs which patients have to take for the rest of their lives.'

The new heart is powered by batteries stored inside the body which need recharging at regular intervals. A pump with a mini-motor controls blood flow to and from the heart.

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