In the United States alone, 5.7 MILLION people suffered from heart failure in 2016, and it is projected that heart failure would cost the U.S. $30.7 BILLION PER YEAR in medical care and lost wages. [1]

Currently patients with stage D of heart failure with reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF) are typically referred to cardiac transplant centers. The short- and long-term outcomes following cardiac transplantation have been excellent. However, there is a chronic limitation of organ availability. In the United States alone there are about 4,000 patients listed for heart transplant according to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Organ Procurement and Transplantation Network.

Current ventricular assist devices (VADs) irreversibly modify the heart, and their components are in direct contact with blood, which requires patients to use anticoagulants to prevent blood damage. In addition, since they permanently replace the heart’s function, current VADs consume a lot of power.