The Jarvik-7 is a type of artificial heart designed to replace a failing human heart. Developed by Dr. Robert Jarvik in the late 1970s, it was one of the first permanent heart assist devices used in patients with severe heart disease. The device is made of durable materials and is powered by an external air compressor, which helps pump blood throughout the body. The Jarvik-7 gained significant attention when it was implanted in a patient named Barney Clark in 1982, marking a milestone in cardiac surgery. While it provided a temporary solution for heart failure, the device also raised ethical questions about long-term use and the quality of life for patients relying on artificial hearts.