A tiny mechanized device weighing 400 grams may give hope to more than 4 million people in the country who die of heart failure every year. A Mumbai hospital has brought in the technology to implant an artificial heart that takes over all functions of the original heart and promises to double the patient's life expectancy.

Globally, over 10,000 people are believed to be living with the device. Mumbai's Asian Heart Institute is pricing the implant at Rs 1 crore, while Bangalore's Narayana Hrudayalaya says it will soon offer it for Rs 50 lakh.  The Asian Heart Institute in Bandra, which has brought in the technology, recently trained its team of doctors to implant a mechanized device in patients of heart failure. The lifesaver, which is smaller than a natural heart, runs on rechargeable batteries. "Less than 1% of heart failure patients have any chance of getting an organ for transplant. This device could be our solution to heart failure," vicechairman and managing director of AHI, Dr Ramakant Panda said.

The device could also be a stopgap arrangement for patients who are ideal candidates for a heart transplant but need assistance to stay alive till they get a donor. "Chances of infection, even if less than 10%, are there. There will be cables sticking out of the body which many may not prefer," he said. "The device restores normal blood flow throughout the body, making it possible for the patient to breathe easily. All the fatigue associated with the condition goes away," said senior consultant cardiovascular surgeon Dr Prashant Vaijyanath.