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Tohoku University has developed an artificial heart that can be used in critical situations, such as when the heart is damaged by gunshots and blood circulation stops. The time from when blood circulation stops to brain death is three minutes. This is an attempt to save lives through treatment during this time. Associate Professor Yasuyuki Shiraishi, Institute of Aging and Aging, Tohoku University: “This artificial heart we have now developed is a new system that can directly puncture the heart and restart blood circulation within three minutes.” At first glance, it looks like this: a thick syringe This is a newly developed artificial heart. Although its manufacture looks simple, it is designed to be used in a critical situation when the heart is damaged by gunshots and blood circulation stops. Emergency use in the field can improve patient survival. Associate Professor Yasuyuki Shiraishi, Institute of Aging and Aging, Tohoku University: “When blood circulation stops, the time until brain death is said to be about three minutes. We have developed a system that will allow blood circulation to start within three minutes. .” We decided to create something similar.” When the heart is damaged, it is necessary to ensure that blood is pumped throughout the body as quickly as possible. However, this treatment is extremely difficult to perform on the spot and is usually performed after the patient has been taken to the hospital. This artificial heart was designed as an ’emergency’ one, taking into account the time of arrival at the hospital. So how do you use it? We had a demonstration using a humanoid model. The treatment is carried out by several people, and in parallel with common procedures such as stopping the bleeding by direct pressure on the damaged area and intubation, a cannula or tube is first inserted from the base of the leg into the thigh and femoral artery. . Next, a cannula with an artificial heart attached to it is inserted into the heart. A cannula is also attached to this artificial heart on the femoral artery side. This artificial heart contains a small motor, and when this motor is turned on, blood begins to circulate from the heart through the artificial heart to the femoral artery and then to the rest of the body. All you need to do is this step. This procedure, which can be performed within three minutes, increases the chance of preventing brain death. Associate Professor Yasuyuki Shiraishi, Institute of Aging and Aging, Tohoku University: “Ideally, patients should be discharged from the hospital in a condition that allows them to return to society after being transported by ambulance, but in reality, there is a long wait until blood circulation resumes. ” It was said that the long gap between patients is a problem, and how to speed up this time is ultimately important to change the quality of life of patients after discharge. The issue of taking a long time is a very important issue. ” In the future, the institute plans to develop an artificial heart that will prevent injuries to areas other than the heart, traffic accidents, etc. It is said that it can be used in cases such as sudden cardiac arrest. Although this is a truly revolutionary development, there are problems with its practical use. Associate Professor Yasuyuki Shiraishi, Institute of Aging and Aging, Tohoku University: “When we think about implementation in society, the most difficult thing is whether anyone can do it anywhere, and it is important to use specialized technology.” Fact In other words, how do we find people who can operate this artificial heart, and how do we create a system that allows these people to operate this artificial heart? Do people need to act quickly in an emergency? Intangible aspects, including social consensus, are issues of the future? An artificial heart that breaks the “3-minute time limit” and saves lives. The research institute is seeking to commercialize the product, is in talks with drug manufacturers, and hopes to obtain insurance coverage from the government through clinical trials.