Improved mechanism for capturing muscle power for circulatory support
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Updated: Aug 16, 2026

The Muscle Cuff Regenerative Peripheral Nerve Interface for the Amplification of Intact Peripheral Nerve Signals
Published on: January 13, 2022
Dennis R Trumble1, David B Melvin, Mark T Byrne
1Cardiothoracic Surgery Research, Allegheny-Singer Research Institute, and Department of Surgery, Allegheny General Hospital, West Penn Allegheny Health System, Pittsburgh, PA 15212-4772, USA. trumble@wpahs.org
Abstract:
Although it is now understood that trained skeletal muscle can generate enough steady-state power to provide significant circulatory support, there are currently no means by which to tap this endogenous energy source to aid the failing heart. To that end, an implantable muscle energy converter (MEC) has been constructed and its function has been improved to optimize durability, anatomic fit, and mechanical efficiency. Bench tests show that MEC transmission losses average less than 10% of total work input and that about 85% of this muscle power is successfully transferred to the working fluid of the pump. Results from canine implant trials confirm excellent biocompatibility and demonstrate that contractile work of the latissimus dorsi muscle-measured to 290 mJ/stroke in one dog-can be transmitted within the body at levels consistent with cardiac assist requirements. These findings suggest that muscle-powered cardiac assist devices are feasible and that efforts to further develop this technology are warranted.
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