Anatomicomechanical study for the hydraulic line of a thermal left ventricular assist system

A thermal left ventricular assist system currently under development consists of two separate major components, i.e., a pump/actuator module and an engine/thermal battery module. The possible implantation site of the engine/battery module is tentatively determined to be the iliac fossa, which requires a flexible interconnecting line to the pump/actuator module. A quantitative and biomechanical study was done on the effect of the implanted hydraulic line on the bendability of the torso. It revealed that the semirigid interconnecting line would not severely restrict the movement of the patient provided it has the proper prebend configuration. The cadaver fitting study proved the anatomical feasibility of the retroperitoneal iliac fossa as the implant site of the Thermal Ventricular Assist System 8 (TVAS 8) engine/battery module. The location and configuration of the interconnecting line of the TVAS 8 were determined using biomechanical analysis so that the restriction of the body movement due to the line could be minimized. The main route of the line was the left side of the trunk, and the line is W shaped in configuration. The line elongation is the most critical resistive factor and accordingly there may still be rigidity during lateral flexion.