China develops artificial heart

Beijing. Chinese scientists have developed an artificial heart using rocket technology and it is currently undergoing testing after thorough experiments on animals. The heart was developed jointly by the China Academy of Launch Vehicle Technology (CALT) and the Teda International Cardiovascular Hospital in North China’s Tianjin.
The artificial heart has been sent for testing and inspection after thorough experiments on animals, Science and Technology Daily reported, citing Li Hong, former director of CALT from the state-owned China Aerospace Science and Technology Corporation. The artificial heart uses magnetic and fluid levitation from a rocket system, and the aerospace heart is expected to move to clinical trials during the 13th Five-Year Plan (2016-20), state-run Global Times reported.
The magnetic and fluid levitation technology can reduce the friction in the device to increase the working efficiency and extend the life span of the power generator, the report quoted. This technology used can reduce damage to the blood and enable the blood pump to work longer. In 2013, scientists planted a man-made heart in a sheep, which survived for 120 days in good health.