Utah Artificial Heart Institute

The Utah Artificial Heart Institute (UAHI) was a non-profit research organization based in Salt Lake City, Utah, dedicated to the development and testing of artificial hearts and circulatory support systems. Established by Dr. Don Olsen, a key figure in the University of Utah's pioneering cardiac research, the institute was instrumental in the evolution of the Jarvik-7 total artificial heart and various ventricular assist devices. UAHI served as a critical hub for biomedical engineering, providing the technical and surgical expertise necessary for the first human implants of permanent artificial hearts. Although primarily a research and educational entity, its work laid the foundation for modern mechanical circulatory support technologies used globally today. The institute collaborated extensively with both academic researchers and commercial entities to transition experimental devices into clinical practice.