Development of an efficient electrohydraulic total artificial heart

Area of Science:

• Biomedical Engineering
• Cardiovascular Devices
• Implantable Technology

Background:

• Efficient space and energy utilization are critical for implantable devices.
• Existing total artificial hearts (TAH) face challenges in thoracic space and energy efficiency.

Purpose of the Study:

• To introduce a new implantable total artificial heart (TAH) design.
• To enhance space and energy efficiency within the orthotopic thoracic space.

Main Methods:

• Development of toroidal blood pumps encircling an energy converter.
• Integration of a centrifugal hydraulic fluid pump and a rotary reversing valve.
• In vitro component characterization and in vivo testing of blood-contacting elements.

Main Results:

• The centrifugal pump achieves cardiac outputs of 6 L/min with 47% hydraulic efficiency.
• Toroidal pumps deliver a 60 cc stroke volume with an 85% ejection fraction.
• Demonstrated predictable blood flow patterns without stagnant regions.

Conclusions:

• The new TAH design successfully integrates toroidal blood pumps and an energy converter.
• Achieved efficient use of space and energy for an implantable artificial heart.
• The design shows promise for improved cardiovascular support.