Development of Autonomous Paracorporeal and Implanted Artificial Heart and Circulatory Assist Systems

The development of autonomous systems for the artificial heart (AH) and for circulatory assistance (CA) has taken several directions. Studies relating to one direction--the development of paracorporeal and implanted systems based on thermal or electric motors--have been conducted at our institute in two stages, moving from stationary systems to totally implanted systems for long-term use. The development of these systems is described. Improvements in the linear solenoid motor, used in some of the first paracorporeal systems, enabled progress toward the development of implanted CA systems based on a reversing electrohydraulic actuator. Modifications were also made in the control system. Early animal testing of these systems indicated that they could be effective in unburdening the heart cavities during left and right bypasses. Full implantation, however, demanded that the devices have improved forms and dimensions and less weight. Smaller electromechanical systems are being developed, and we are experimenting with ways to increase the overall autonomy of the system. An orthotopic model of an implanted AH is promising. Experiments continue on the use of the body's own skeletal muscles to create a blood pump.