1984 Volume 13 Issue 1 Pages 129-132
Total Artificial Heart Study in Goats. Since December 1982, diaphragm type TAHs were implanted in 10 goats; both surgical and methodological problems in using goats for TAH study have been worked out. Because of difficulty in controlling diaphragm movement and also in estimating pump output when diaphragm pumps are used, pusher-plate type TAHs and a versatile control-drive system were developed. The pumps incorporate Hall effect sensors to continuously provide diaphragm movement; this signal can then be used to compute beat-to-beat pump output as well as to precisely control diaphragm movement. Fitting study in goats and in vitro test showed satisfactory results as compared with design specifications.
