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Current status of permanent total artificial hearts
P K Davis1, G Rosenberg, A J Snyder
1College of Medicine, Pennsylvania State University, Hershey 17033.
The Annals of Thoracic Surgery
|January 1, 1989
Summary
Researchers are developing an electric total artificial heart (TAH) to replace failing hearts. Early calf implant results are promising for a future permanent TAH solution.
Area of Science:
- Biomedical Engineering
- Cardiovascular Devices
- Mechanical Circulatory Support
Background:
- Pneumatic total artificial hearts (TAHs) show limited promise for permanent cardiac replacement.
- Growing patient numbers necessitate advanced permanent TAH solutions.
- Current TAHs often require percutaneous leads, impacting patient lifestyle.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop and evaluate an electric motor-driven total artificial heart (TAH) for permanent implantation.
- To assess the feasibility of a TAH system that operates without percutaneous leads.
- To advance the technology for reliable, long-term mechanical circulatory support.
Main Methods:
- Utilized a roller-screw mechanism to convert motor rotation into linear motion.
- Employed a brushless direct-current motor for the drive system.
- Conducted implant studies in calves to evaluate device performance.
Main Results:
- Encouraging results were observed in calf implantations.
- The electric TAH design successfully translated motor rotation into blood sac emptying.
- The system demonstrated potential for automatic control and elimination of percutaneous leads.
Conclusions:
- The electric motor-driven TAH shows significant promise as a permanent cardiac replacement.
- The technology for a safe and reliable electric blood-pump system is nearing clinical readiness.
- Future iterations aim for automatic control to enable a near-normal lifestyle for patients.