Tucson, Arizona–based SynCardia received the first patent (no. 11,918,797) related to its next-generation Emperor total artificial heart in March. The U.S. Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) has now issued a second patent (no. 12,121,711 B2) for the Emperor heart.

Both patents describe novel technology aimed at eliminating external drive mechanisms. They aim to fully integrate the pumping mechanism within the implanted artificial heart ventricle.

SynCardia already develops both 50cc and 70cc total artificial hearts (TAHs). COO and inventor of the technology, Matt Schuster, said in a news release that the fully implantable versions in development match or exceed the cardiac output of both. However, it has the energy requirements matching those of a human heart.