St Vincent’s Hospital has made medical history by successfully performing the first-ever implantation of the BiVACOR Total Artificial Heart Implant in Australia. This milestone procedure, carried out late last year, marks a revolutionary leap forward in the treatment of heart failure, offering new hope to patients who previously had limited options for survival.
The procedure was performed by a skilled team led by Dr. Paul Jansz, a renowned cardiac surgeon at St Vincent’s, alongside a group of experts from the hospital and the Victor Chang Cardiac Research Institute. This breakthrough adds to the long list of cardiac innovations that have positioned St Vincent’s as a global leader in heart health. From the pioneering work of Dr. Harry Windsor, who conducted Australia’s first heart transplant in 1968, to the establishment of the National Heart Transplant Program by Dr. Victor Chang, St Vincent’s has consistently been at the cutting edge of medical advancements, particularly in the realm of cardiac care.
The Groundbreaking BiVACOR Total Artificial Heart
The BiVACOR Total Artificial Heart (TAH) represents a major innovation in the field of cardiac medicine. This titanium device features a single moving part, eliminating the need for mechanical valves, and incorporates a unique no-contact suspension system. This design minimizes the mechanical wear typically associated with traditional artificial hearts, offering the potential for extended use and improved patient outcomes.
Initially conceived as a bridge to heart transplantation, the BiVACOR TAH holds the promise of eventually serving as a permanent replacement for a failing human heart. This revolutionary approach could transform the lives of patients suffering from severe heart failure, providing them with a new option for treatment that extends beyond the limitations of current medical technology.
The BiVACOR TAH’s innovative design has been developed with the collaboration of researchers and clinicians at St Vincent’s and the Victor Chang Cardiac Research Institute. The device’s titanium structure, which reduces friction and wear, is a game-changer in the field of artificial hearts. This marks a significant step forward from previous heart replacement technologies, which often struggled with mechanical failure due to valve wear and tear.
A Historic First
The first patient to receive the BiVACOR TAH at St Vincent’s has become a global medical trailblazer. Under the expert care of Professor Chris Hayward and his team, the patient underwent the implant procedure in late 2024. After a remarkable recovery period, the patient was discharged from St Vincent’s in early February 2025, making them the first person in the world to leave a hospital with the BiVACOR Total Artificial Heart.
This achievement represents a world-first in the medical community and underscores the exceptional expertise and dedication of the St Vincent’s team. More than 100 days after the implant, the patient successfully received a heart transplant from a donor, marking the longest duration for a patient living with the BiVACOR TAH to date. The patient is now in the recovery phase, with excellent prospects for a full recovery.
The Role of the Curran Foundation
This groundbreaking medical achievement would not have been possible without the unwavering support of the St Vincent’s Curran Foundation, which has been instrumental in funding advancements in heart health through its Heart Lung Innovation Fund. Since its establishment in 2014, the Curran Foundation has raised an impressive $41 million to support medical research and innovation at St Vincent’s. These funds have directly contributed to the development and successful implementation of cutting-edge treatments like the BiVACOR Total Artificial Heart.
The generosity of the Curran Foundation, alongside the expertise of the St Vincent’s team, continues to push the boundaries of what is possible in the realm of heart medicine. This funding is a critical factor in ensuring that St Vincent’s can continue its pioneering work, providing hope and improved outcomes for patients with severe heart conditions.
Addressing the Growing Heart Failure Crisis
Heart failure is a significant health issue in Australia, claiming nearly 5,000 lives each year. As the leading cause of hospitalizations, heart failure places an immense strain on the healthcare system, and the demand for innovative treatments continues to rise. St Vincent’s has long been committed to addressing this issue, and the success of the BiVACOR Total Artificial Heart implant is just one example of the hospital’s commitment to advancing heart health and improving patient care.
In May 2025, St Vincent’s will continue its leadership in the field of cardiac care by hosting Australia’s first-ever Heart Health Summit. The summit will bring together some of the country’s leading experts in cardiac medicine to discuss the future of heart health, explore new treatments, and highlight the latest advances in the field. This event will serve as a platform for fostering collaboration and innovation in the battle against heart disease.
Looking Ahead: A New Era for Cardiac Care
The success of the BiVACOR Total Artificial Heart implant reaffirms St Vincent’s Hospital’s status as a global leader in heart health. As the hospital continues to break new ground in cardiac care, it offers renewed hope to patients and their families while shaping the future of heart treatment. With the potential to save countless lives, the BiVACOR TAH represents a new frontier in the fight against heart failure.
St Vincent’s remains steadfast in its commitment to providing world-class care, continuing its long-standing legacy of medical innovation. This achievement is a testament to the dedication of the hospital’s medical staff, researchers, and partners, who continue to work tirelessly to improve the lives of patients and advance the field of heart health.
In conclusion, St Vincent’s Hospital has once again proven that it is at the forefront of medical innovation, cementing its reputation as a global leader in heart health. The successful implantation of Australia’s first BiVACOR Total Artificial Heart is a historic achievement that opens up new possibilities for patients suffering from heart failure, marking the beginning of a new era in heart transplantation and treatment. With ongoing advancements and continued research, the future of cardiac care looks brighter than ever.
