Experimental Studies on Total Artificial Heart Replacement-A Few Remarks on Its Causes of Death

Abstract

Twenty three calves were operated on for total artificial heart replacement using Japanese Thomasu heart. Only three calves survived more than one month and one of these survived 66 days. Causes of death were various such as, valve failure, quick connector failure, air leakage and broken diaphragm. Broken diaphragm was the most serious problem. We were developing a new technique to make a blood diaphragm which was dipped at the position of systole instead of diastole. This method may diminish the stress during systole.