p. 99-100
Bridging to heart transplantation, both assist and replacement type artificial heart systems have been demonstrating effectiveness in the western countries. Since 1999,only 17 heart transplantations have been done in Japan due to severe donor hearts shortage. There is a strong need for implantable artificial heart systems in Japan. This paper describes the current status of artificial heart development in Japan, focusing on the efforts at Tokyo Medical and Dental University.