Bionic bodies and interchangeable organs: knowledge and scientific practices on non-human heart production

Author(s)

Marisol Marini

• Document type: Doctoral Thesis
• Press: São Paulo.
• Institution: Universidade de São Paulo (USP). Faculdade de Filosofia, Letras e Ciências Humanas (FFLCH/SBD)
• Defense date: 2018-03-06

Examining board members

Heloisa Buarque de Almeida; Marko Synesio Alves Monteiro; Fernanda Arêas Peixoto; Guilherme José da Silva e Sá; Renzo Romano Taddei

• Advisor: Heloisa Buarque de Almeida; Stelio Alessandro Marras

Abstract

The main question that the present thesis seeks to investigate is whether artificial hearts produce ontological instabilities in terms of what is human and non-human. The attention given to experimental laboratory, clinical and surgical practices allows to illuminate the heterogeneous arrangements through which such medical devices emerge. In the three stages of the research in vitro tests, in vivo tests and evaluation in humans it was possible to observe a modulation between good participation and an unproductive involvement that should be avoided for the success of the interventions. The relationships established in the medical-scientific practices show participation as a fundamental fact for the production of cardiac technologies, as well as the imagination - which concerns not only to idealization, but also to creative processes emerge in the accomplishment of laboratory and clinical procedures, being, therefore, embodied. The first chapter deals with in vitro tests and focuses on the problematization of nature and culture. The second chapter address the in vivo tests to problematize the relations between human and non-human animals. Lastly, the third chapter focuses on human clinical assessment, problematizing the boundaries between life and death. It is a schematic thematic division, although the ontological exchange between nature and culture, human and nonhuman, and life and death runs through the work. In face of high death rate associated with heart failure, artificial hearts are designed as alternatives or auxiliary solution to organ transplantation for patients who become refractory to drug treatments. In addition to producing new bodies and embodiments, artificial hearts bring new dilemmas and resources for the management of life, and can operate as a pedagogy and preparation for death, inasmuch as the devices suspend/extend the death, keeping it close. (AU)

• FAPESP's process: 13/02389-2 - Bionic Bodies and Interchangeable Organs- scientific practices and knowledge production about non-human hearts
• Grantee: Marisol Marini
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Doctorate