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Summary
Completely implantable cardiac prostheses are advancing, shifting from radioisotopes to electrical energy converters. Research at The Cleveland Clinic Foundation focuses on two main systems for artificial hearts and ventricular assist devices.
Area of Science:
- Biomedical Engineering
- Cardiovascular Research
- Medical Device Development
Background:
- Artificial heart research has aimed for completely implantable cardiac prostheses since 1957.
- Early research explored radioisotopes as energy sources, but societal influences shifted focus to electrical energy converters.
- The Cleveland Clinic Foundation (CCF) has been a key center for artificial heart research.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the current status of completely implantable cardiac prostheses.
- To highlight artificial heart systems under development at The Cleveland Clinic Foundation (CCF).
- To discuss advancements in ventricular assist systems (VAS) and total artificial hearts (TAH).
Main Methods:
- Review of ongoing research and development at CCF.
- Categorization of implantable cardiac prostheses based on powertrain configuration.
- In-depth description of the CCF-Nimbus system, including its components: a biolized surface blood pump, electrohydraulic energy converter, and compliance chamber.
Main Results:
- Two main groups of electrically powered cardiac prostheses are under development.
- The first group uses thermal energy conversion (Stirling cycle) from heated liquid salts.
- The second group uses direct electrical to mechanical energy conversion (cams, solenoids, electrohydraulics).
- The CCF-Nimbus system is detailed as a representative of the second group.
Conclusions:
- Completely implantable ventricular assist systems (VAS) are projected for clinical use by 1988.
- A nontethered total artificial heart (TAH) is anticipated for human use by 1994.
- The research signifies progress towards fully implantable artificial heart solutions.