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Muscle- and pneumatic-powered counterpulsating LVADs: a pilot study
J C Wilde1, J van Loon, N D Bishop
1Kolff's Laboratory, University of Utah, Salt Lake City 84112.
Artificial Organs
|March 1, 1994
Summary
This study introduces a novel blood pump for heart support, offering immediate pneumatic assistance and long-term muscle-driven function. This innovative approach aims to reduce mortality in patients with failing hearts.
Area of Science:
- Biomedical Engineering
- Cardiovascular Surgery
- Regenerative Medicine
Background:
- Worldwide interest exists in supporting failing hearts using skeletal muscle.
- Conventional cardiomyoplasty has high operative mortality (15-20%) due to a 6-week muscle training period.
Purpose of the Study:
- To present a novel flexible blood pump designed for skeletal muscle wrapping.
- To offer immediate circulatory support via pneumatic power and enable a transition to muscle-driven assistance.
Main Methods:
- A flexible, pear-shaped blood pump with an inflatable air chamber was designed.
- The pump can be driven externally by pneumatic power or internally by wrapped skeletal muscle.
- The pump is connected to the aorta for diastolic counterpulsation, with options for direct muscle wrapping or using muscle pouches.
Main Results:
- The design allows immediate circulatory support upon patient stabilization.
- It facilitates a gradual transition from pneumatic to muscle-driven power, potentially freeing the patient from external devices.
- The system includes a mechanism for augmenting muscle-generated pressure if needed.
Conclusions:
- This novel blood pump design offers a dual-mode support system for failing hearts.
- It addresses limitations of conventional cardiomyoplasty by providing immediate support and a flexible, potentially tether-free, long-term solution.