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Prostheses designed for total replacement of the biological natural heart. These devices typically consist of an implantable mechanism that includes one or more pumps, valves, cannulae, and a power source. Heart prostheses are used to provide blood circulation to patients with a debilitated or completely failed heart. Some devices are designed for implantation of the pumping mechanism with a physical connection to an external power source (e.g., electrical, pneumatic), and others are totally implantable but may need a wireless, transcutaneous transmission of power from an external source. Percutaneously powered prostheses are mostly intended for temporary use before a heart transplant is possible; transcutaneously powered heart prostheses are intended for permanent use.
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