Question

What is the difference between a pacemaker and the total artificial heart (TAH)?

(a) A pacemaker is smaller in size and completely embedded in the body as compared to TAH in which some system lies outside the body

(b) A pacemaker replaces only the ventricles but a TAH replaces the whole heart

(c) A pacemaker is an assistive device which helps the original heart to generate impulses but a TAH completely replaces the heart

(d) A pacemaker is made out of organic polymers while the TAH is metallic

The question was asked during an online exam.

Origin of the question is Artificial Organs in division Rehabilitation and Recovery of Clinical Science

Answer 1

The correct choice is (c) A pacemaker is an assistive device which helps the original heart to generate impulses but a TAH completely replaces the heart

The explanation: As the answer says, pacemaker is an assistive device. The heart contracts due to the impulses generated by the SA node and the AV node. When these nodes are unable to generate signals, a pacemaker is used. A TAH is needed when the Purkinjee Fibers that cause the contractions in ventricles or the any of the cardiac muscles are damaged.