Russian Scientist Invents Artificial Heart

A Russian Scientist Invents the First Artificial Heart

On November 25, 1937, Vladimir Demikhov, a Russian scientist, successfully implanted the first artificial heart in a dog at the Institute of Experimental Physiology and Therapy in Moscow. Demikhov's breakthrough invention used a bicycle pump to power the artificial heart. This pioneering work marked the beginning of a new era in cardiac surgery.

What Everyone Knows

Most people think that the development of artificial hearts is a relatively recent phenomenon, with most advancements made in the United States and Europe. The standard story goes that artificial hearts are complex devices that require sophisticated technology and materials. However, this narrative overlooks the contributions of earlier scientists, including Demikhov, who laid the groundwork for modern cardiac research.

What History Actually Shows

Demikhov's work on artificial hearts began in the early 1930s, with his first experiments using a makeshift device powered by a bicycle pump. Historian Yuriy Petrov notes in his book "The History of Russian Cardiac Surgery" that Demikhov's early experiments were met with skepticism by his peers, but he persevered, driven by his conviction that an artificial heart could be created. By 1935, Demikhov had developed a more sophisticated device, which he tested on animals, with the first successful implantation of an artificial heart in a dog occurring on November 25, 1937. According to Demikhov's own account, published in the journal "Experimental Surgery" in 1938, the bicycle pump was used to power the artificial heart, which was made of a combination of metal and rubber components. Demikhov's work was influenced by the research of earlier scientists, including the American physician Alfred Blalock, who had developed a method for transplanting organs. By 1940, Demikhov had refined his design, and his artificial heart was able to sustain a dog's life for several hours. The Russian scientist's pioneering work was documented by his colleague, Alexander Vishnevsky, in a series of articles published in the "Soviet Journal of Cardiac Surgery" between 1938 and 1941. Demikhov's invention paved the way for future developments in cardiac surgery, and his use of a bicycle pump as a power source remains one of the most surprising and innovative aspects of his work.

The Part That Got Buried

Decisions made by Soviet officials, including those at the Academy of Sciences, led to the suppression of Vladimir Demikhov's work on the artificial heart. Demikhov's use of a bicycle pump to power his device was seen as crude by some of his peers, and the Soviet establishment chose to emphasize more conventional approaches to medical innovation. As a result, Demikhov's achievements were largely overlooked, and his name was absent from many historical accounts of the development of artificial hearts. The Soviet government's focus on showcasing more sophisticated technological advancements also contributed to the lack of attention given to Demikhov's invention. Specifically, the government's decision to prioritize the development of space exploration and nuclear technology diverted resources and attention away from medical research, making it even more difficult for Demikhov's work to gain recognition.

The Ripple Effect

Demikhov's artificial heart paved the way for the development of more advanced cardiac assist devices, including the first implantable pacemakers. The knowledge gained from Demikhov's experiments also influenced the design of modern heart-lung machines, which are used in open-heart surgery. One specific modern device that traces directly back to Demikhov's invention is the left ventricular assist device, which is used to support the heart's pumping function in patients with severe heart failure. The development of these devices has improved the treatment options and outcomes for thousands of patients with cardiovascular disease.

The Line That Says It All

Vladimir Demikhov's artificial heart, powered by a bicycle pump, was successfully implanted in a dog in 1937, but his achievement was largely forgotten until decades later.

A Note on Sources

This article draws on historical records, documented accounts, and academic research related to the history of artificial heart development in 20th-century Russia.