Artificial Heart Historical Background

A brief history of the at the University of Utah, by Emma Webb, Research Assistant, History of the Health Sciences, Spencer S. Eccles Health Sciences Library. In December 1982, a specialized team of surgeons and researchers performed the first-ever artificial heart implant at the University of Utah Medical Center. The University of Utah was instrumental in the artificial heart's invention, implementation, and evolution. Moreover, the surgery marked a critical moment of progress rather than ending an era of research and development. Drawing upon print culture, conference reports, and oral histories to analyze the impact of artificial hearts on the University of Utah, Webb suggests that since 1982, surgeons, inventors, and researchers from the University of Utah have overcome setbacks to continue to make crucial contributions to the field.