Barney Clark: First Permanent Artificial Heart Recipient (1982–1983)

Barney Clark, a 61-year-old retired dentist with end-stage cardiomyopathy, received the Jarvik-7 total artificial heart (TAH) on December 2, 1982, at the University of Utah. He survived 112 days before dying of multiorgan failure on March 23, 1983.

Historical Significance

• First human implanted with a permanent (destination therapy) TAH.
• Demonstrated feasibility of long-term mechanical circulatory support.
• Revealed critical challenges: thromboembolism (strokes), infection, device reliability, bleeding, psychosocial burden.
• Catalyzed development of ventricular assist devices (VADs) as bridge-to-transplant/destination therapy.

The Jarvik-7 System

• Biventricular polyurethane pump, pneumatically driven by external console (400 lbs).
• Required anticoagulation (high stroke risk).
• Percutaneous drivelines → infection portal.

Legacy

Clark's courage and the team's work (DeVries, Jarvik, Kolff) laid foundation for modern VADs (HeartMate 3, HeartWare) and future TAHs (Carmat, BiVACOR). Ethical debates on informed consent, quality of life, and resource allocation persist.