DEVELOPMENT OF LEFT VENTRICULAR ASSIST DEVICE FOR PERMANENT HUMAN USE

抄録

A permanently implantable intrathoracic left ventricular assist device (LVAD) for human use has been developed and evaluated in vitro and in vivo. A seamless layer of glutaraldehyde-treated gelatin as the blood contacting surface and the use of valves made of human dura mater eliminates the need for anticoagulation. The pump was designed to fit the chest wall interposed between the cardiac apex and the thoracic aorta. In vitro performance and flow visualization studies have shown satisfactory pump performance. Left ventricular unloading was well demonstrated in 11 in vivo experiments. Laboratory data for chronic experiments were within normal limits. Four long-term animals are continuing for periods of 1-3 months.