The recall may hurt Symbion Inc, maker of the Jarvik-7, but it wont end the request for an artificial heart. One problem with the banned model is that the tubes connecting it to an external power source created a passage for infection. Inventors are now working on new devices that would be fully placed, along with a tiny power pack, in the patient's chest. The first samply products aren't expected for another 10 or 20 years. But some people are already worrying that they'll work-and that America's overextended health-care programs will lose a precious $2.5 billion to $5 billion a year providing them for a relatively few dying patients. If such expenditures cut into funding for more basic care, the net effect could actually be a decline in the nation's health.
16. According to the passage the Jarvik-7artificial heart proved to be _______.
[A] a technical failure
[B] a technical wonder
[C] a good life-saver
[D] an effective means to treat heart disease
17. From the passage we know that Symbion Inc ______.
[A] has been banned by the government from producing artificial hearts
[B] will review the effects of artificial hearts before designing new models
[C] may continue to work on new models of reliable artificial hearts
[D] can make new models of artificial hearts available on the market in 1O to 20 years
18. The new models of artificial hearts are expected ______.
[A] to have a working life of 10 or 20 years
[B] to be set fully in the patient's chest
[C] to be equipped with an external power source
[D] to create a new passage for infection
19. The word "them" in Line 7, Para. 2 refers to _____.
[A] doctors who treat heart diseases
[B] makers of artificial hearts
[C] America's health-care programs
[D] New model of artificial hearts
20. Some people feel that ______.
[A] artificial hearts are seldom effective
[B] the country should not spend so much money on artificial hearts
[C] the country is not spending enough money on artificial hearts
[D] America's health-care programs are not doing enough for the nation's health