Studies on Left Ventricular Assist Circulation

Abstract

The experimental studies on left ventricular assist circulation (LVAC) using a roller pump system able to deliver pulsatile flow has been carried out to relieve the strain on the failing left ventricle. This pulsatile pump was attached between left atrium and descending thoracic aorta in mongrel dogs weighing 15 to 20kg. Left atrial to aortic bypass was performed during 3 hours to reduce left ventricular pressure to zero and to maintain normal value for systemic blood pressure. In some instance, pulmonary artery pressure increased, Pao₂ decreased and Paco₂ increased gradually during LVAC. Though, in another instances, pulmonary artery pressure was miantained within normal limit, the same results were obtained on the data of blood gas analysis. More studies must be continued from both respects of pulmonary ventilation and bypass support.