The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved the use of a two-pound titanium and plastic artificial heart developed by Abiomed. It extends the lives of terminal patients who are deemed ineligible for actual heart transplants. This gives dying patients the benefit of spending extra time, possibly up to several months, with their family and friends.

There are exceptions though. Only people who are at least 6 feet tall and weigh at least 170 pounds are eligible for the implant. Sadly, this restriction eliminates most female patients and people with light frames.

In addition to the mechanical heart, a controller (which monitors the pumping rate and other functions) and an internal battery are implanted in the patient's abdomen. A power transfer coil fuels the system across the skin and recharges the battery. The internal battery can last for around an hour when disconnected. Two external batteries can allow the patient to move freely for up to two hours.

The device costs around $250,000. The FDA hopes that continued use of of the heart will lead to more technological breakthroughs and further cost reductions. Abiomed is already working an a newer heart that's two thirds the size, and has an effective life extension of around five years. It's set to come out in 2008.