Barney Clark and the Jarvik-7: A Milestone in Medical History

On December 2, 1982, a groundbreaking event in medical history took place when Barney Clark, a retired dentist from Seattle, became the first human to receive a permanent artificial heart. This pioneering surgery was performed by Dr. William DeVries at the University of Utah Medical Center. The artificial heart used in this procedure was the Jarvik-7, named after its principal designer, Dr. Robert Jarvik.

Background

The development of artificial hearts had been a long-standing goal in medical science, driven by the need to find solutions for patients with end-stage heart failure who were not candidates for heart transplants. The Jarvik-7 was the culmination of years of research and development, representing a significant advancement in biomedical engineering.

The Jarvik-7

• Design: The Jarvik-7 was a pneumatic device, meaning it was powered by compressed air. It consisted of two polyurethane ventricles and four mechanical valves, designed to mimic the function of a human heart.
• Operation: The device was connected to an external console that regulated the flow of air, controlling the heart’s pumping action.

The Surgery

• Date: December 2, 1982
• Location: University of Utah Medical Center
• Surgeon: Dr. William DeVries, a pioneering heart surgeon, led the surgical team.
• Patient: Barney Clark, aged 61, was suffering from severe congestive heart failure and was not eligible for a heart transplant due to his age and other health complications.

The surgery lasted approximately seven hours and was considered a success in terms of the implantation process. Clark’s condition was closely monitored as he became the first person to live with a permanent artificial heart.

Aftermath and Significance

• Survival: Barney Clark survived for 112 days post-surgery, during which he experienced various complications, including infections and issues related to the device’s operation.
• Impact: Despite the challenges, the procedure marked a significant milestone in the field of artificial organ development. It paved the way for further advancements in artificial heart technology and highlighted the potential of mechanical devices to extend the lives of patients with terminal heart conditions.
• Ethical and Medical Discussions: Clark’s case sparked widespread discussion about the ethical implications of artificial organ implantation, quality of life considerations, and the future of medical technology.

Legacy

The Jarvik-7 and Barney Clark’s experience underscored the potential and challenges of artificial heart technology. It inspired continued research and development, leading to more advanced and reliable devices in the years that followed. The event remains a landmark moment in the history of medicine, symbolizing human ingenuity and the relentless pursuit of life-saving innovations.