1981 Volume 10 Issue 2 Pages 647-650
We have been developing an air-driven, diaphragm type partial artificial heart (PAH). Using this PAH, the effects of left heart bypass (LHB) from left atrium to descending aorta on failed heart were studied. The results were as follows;
1. For the left ventricular failure (LVF), LHB increased bypass flow automatically according to the severity of LVF, and consequently maintained blood pressure and total blood flow at a reasonable level. For the LVF combined with right ventricular failure (RVF), general circulation was maintained by LHB alone, but for the LVF with moderate or profound RVF, it was needed to keep right atrial pressure higher. For the case with high pulmonary vascular resistance, however, both right and left heart bypasses were needed.
2. LHB well decreased left ventricular work load, especially decreased an extent of local over-extension appeared in the ischemic area.
3. LHB increased total coronary blood flow up to normal level. In the case of myocardial infarction, LHB increased regional blood flow at the boundary of ischemic area.
