Ovalis TAH: development and in vitro testing of a new electromechanical energy converter for a total artificial heart

A new electromechanical energy converting system has been developed to yield an efficient and durable orthotopic total artificial heart (TAH). The energy converter we developed transforms the unidirectional rotational motion of the motor into a longitudinal forward-reverse movement of an internal geared oval, linked directly to pusher plates on both sides. To ensure a permanent positive connection between the drive gear and the internally geared wheel, a ball bearing runs inside an oval shaped guide track. Motor, gear unit, and conical pusher plates are seated between alternately ejecting and filling ventricles. The unidirectional motion of the brushless DC motor affords easier motor control, reduces energy demand, and ensures longer life of the motor when compared with a bidirectional motion system. In vitro testing has been performed on a mock circulation loop. The overall system efficiency of the TAH Ovalis was 27-39% (mean, 36%) for the pump output range of 2-7 L/min. The maximum output of 7 L/min can be obtained with a pump rate of 130 min(-1) and an afterload pressure of 140 mm Hg. For an average sized human with a mean cardiac output of 6 L/min at a mean aortic pressure of 120 mm Hg, 5 watts of input power would be required. The size of the prototype is 560 cm3, the weight is 950 g. Our first in vitro studies demonstrated the excellent efficiency and pump performance of this new electromechanical energy converter. The results prove the feasibility of this new concept's use as an energy converter for a total artificial heart.