Successful Partnerships

BiVACOR artificial heart

Globally there is a shortage of donor organs. In Australia there are around 2000 people currently waiting for a second chance at life through the gift of organ transplantation.

For people with heart failure, a Queensland invention may soon offer hope. The BiVACOR(tm) artificial heart has been developed by biomedical engineer Dr Daniel Timms and a team of medical and engineering researchers keen to save the lives of those in need of a new heart.

The development of the device has been supported by research and equipment grants from The Prince Charles Hospital Foundation.

The BiVACOR(tm) program is at the forefront of innovation in artificial heart technology. The research team is based at The Prince Charles Hospital with collaborations in Germany, Sydney, Japan, United Kingdom and Malaysia.

This artificial heart, about the size of a fist, will be implanted totally inside the body, encased in titanium to prevent rejection. The revolutionary design features a magnetic levitation system which controls the rotation of a floating disk that moderates blood flow in and out of both sides of the heart. The device can adjust to the specific needs of the patient, preventing unnecessary pressure on the healthier side of the heart while supporting the failing side. Other devices are able to only support one side of the heart and are supported by external hardware, preventing the patient from moving around freely.

BiVACOR(tm) has attracted significant business and clinical interest. The program is supported by The Prince Charles Hospital Foundation’s partnerships with Baulderstone and Q Invest.
 
To make a donation to support this innovative and vital research, visit our online donation page (to make sure your donation is allocated to this project, please write BiVACOR in the Foundation partner box at the end of the form). Donate online here. 

Donations can also be made by phone or by mail. Details here.

Visit the BiVACOR(tm) company website for technical details about how BiVACOR(tm) works or to find out more about the team.

If you didn’t see the 60 Minutes story featuring BiVACOR, watch it online here.

For more information about how to have a longer term philanthropic or business relationship or to meet the BiVACOR(tm) team, please contact us.