Abstract
Mechanical circulatory support systems were developed and improved to have better clinical therapeutic results of profound heart failure. A percutaneous insertion system of the inflow cannula and an noninvasive monitoring method of the natural heart output were employed into our paracorporeal temporary ventricular assist system (VAS). As a bridging device to cardiac transplantation, a pneumatic VAS with an inflow conduit for apical cannulation and a pneumatic total artificial heart system were developed. A totally implantable artificial heart was also built and in vitro performances were evaluated. In the system, an electrohydraulic actuator is placed in the abdominal wall separately from intrathoracic blood pumps. A compact centrifugal pump was also being developed so as to have better antithrombogenicity and longer durability.
