Mechanical support for the failing heart

The National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute (NHLBI) has sponsored considerable research directed toward basic studies on the etiology of heart disease and atherosclerosis. While progress has been very encouraging there are still significant numbers of patients with end-stage heart disease. NHLBI initiated goal-oriented research activities on the artificial heart based upon the recommendation of the National Heart Advisory Council in 1964. The major goal of the Artificial Heart Program was to develop devices which could be effectively used to rehabilitate patients with end-stage heart disease. This paper will describe the evolution and specific program goals of the Artificial Heart Program and provide a description of the left ventricular assist system (LVAS) and total artificial heart (TAH) research efforts. Specific attention will be directed toward defining device requirements, descriptions of the blood pump and energy converter, control system operation and energy transmission methods. A summary of experimental results and current development status will also be provided.