Development of implantable left ventricular assist system: Evaluation of blood pump

Abstract

As the initial stage of development of implantable left ventricular assist system (VAS), the blood pump system was designed to be positioned in the left abdominal wall. The pump is a pneumatic and diaphragm-type modified from NCVC VAS made of Japanese-made segmented polyether polyurethane. Inflow cannula was reinforced at the distal portion. The pump was connected by inflow and outflow cannulae between the left ventricular apex and the descending aorta, and was connected to the external console by a percutaneous tube. In animal experiments using goats, this system showed easy applicability and stable hemodynamics over three weeks. There was no signs of infection around the pocket of pump. In conclusion, this blood pump system is safely applicable to long-term left ventricular assist.