Abstract
We have developed a totally implantable assist pump system with a built-in optical transmission unit to aim at computer-controlled patient monitoring. The main part of a driving control system is composed of small-sized 16-bit and 8-bit micro-processors with high performances. This system enables us to operate the motor-driven assist pump from outside of the body using the transcutaneous optical transmission unit. We can select either the fixed rate mode or the ECG synchronous mode, and adjust the drive rate of the former mode. The motor driving data can also be transmitted from inside of the body, which allows us to calculate the pump stroke volume, the maximum blood pressure, and the mean blood pressure. The whole system performed well during in vitro tests using a mock circulation unit. The pump stroke volume and both blood pressures estimated from the driving data were consistent with actual measured values.
