[Experimental studies of assisted circulation using left-ventricular assist devices with the pneumatic system (LVAD)]

The results of short-term (acute) studies of assisting artificially produced (reversible) left ventricle insufficiency with an artificial, pneumatically driven left ventricle are discussed. Both mechanical left ventricle and driving devices are of Polish manufacture. The studies involved mongrel dogs and sheep and were fully hemodynamically and biochemically monitored. The results obtained with each design of the device were given to the producers. It seems that recent models are near to clinically acceptable ones and enable to assist left cardiac ventricle for a short time preceding elective transplantation of the heart.