An autologous biologic pump motor.

Area of Science:

• Biomedical Engineering
• Cardiovascular Research
• Skeletal Muscle Physiology

Background:

• End-stage cardiac failure necessitates advanced therapeutic strategies.
• Skeletal muscle ventricles offer a potential biological solution for cardiac support.
• Chronic implantation and function of these devices require thorough investigation.

Purpose of the Study:

• To assess the feasibility and performance of latissimus dorsi skeletal muscle ventricles as a chronic auxiliary cardiac support system.
• To evaluate the long-term pumping capacity and pressure generation of skeletal muscle ventricles in a mock circulation model.

Main Methods:

• Latissimus dorsi skeletal muscle ventricles were constructed in six beagles.
• Vascular delay and electrical preconditioning were applied over several weeks.
• Implanted generators stimulated motor nerves for actuation within a totally implantable mock circulation system.

Main Results:

• Skeletal muscle ventricles continuously pumped against an afterload of 80 mm Hg with a preload of 40-50 mm Hg at 54 bpm.
• Initial systolic pressure was 135 +/- 24 mm Hg, decreasing to 104 +/- 1 mm Hg after 2 weeks.
• Flow rates decreased from 464 +/- 116 ml/min to 206 +/- 16 ml/min over 2 weeks, with sustained pressure generation up to 205 mm Hg in some devices after prolonged use.

Conclusions:

• Chronic auxiliary skeletal muscle ventricles represent a feasible approach for treating end-stage cardiac failure.
• The study demonstrates the potential for sustained mechanical function of skeletal muscle ventricles.
• Further research is warranted to optimize performance and long-term viability for clinical application.