Development Of Artificial Heart Research Articles

The Artificial Heart's Threat to Others

A member of the two federal advisory panels on artificial hearts reflects that the nuclear-powered artificial heart, had it been developed, would have posed a physical threat to others. Today's artificial heart poses a different threat. Because of the high costs, many people may be deprived of access to other forms of medical care and other social goods.

Societal and ethical considerations of artificial hearts.

The present state of artificial heart research and development is analyzed in light of public perceptions affected by accounts of the experiences of those who received the Jarvik-7. On the assumption that research will continue, it is argued that the therapeutic goals of the artificial heart can be realized, and funding be obtained, only in an atmosphere of positive publicity. To this end, formation of an association of companies involved in artificial heart R & D is recommended. Such a group would articulate voluntary standards and produce reports of advances in the field. Artificial hearts, it is noted in conclusion, have been effective as temporary assist devices in patients destined to receive heart transplants.

The human heart: vault of the soul or pump?

Medical causes that led to the development of artificial hearts are reviewed. Ventricular assist systems are compared with other designs. A discussion of the functioning and surgical implantation of Thermedics Corporation's ventricular assist pump provides a context for an analysis of technical challenges still to be solved.

Experimental results for chronic left ventricular assist and total artificial heart development.

After more than 20 years of research on the artificial heart, it is now accepted that the pneumatically actuated total artificial heart can maintain near-normal physiology in experimental animals for several months. Such systems are clinically acceptable for short-term application (a few months) in patients waiting for a suitable heart transplant. However, realistically, a cardiac prosthesis that has the capability of being totally implantable for over 2 years must be available. Based on this premise, our group initiated the development of a mechanically actuated total artificial heart, capable of coupling with either a thermal or electrical actuation system. Since 1977, under the National Institutes of Health chronic left ventricular assist program, we have used two different pusher-plate pumps and electrical systems. Taking advantage of technology generated in these programs, we began developing a prosthesis to replace the total cardiac function. This paper is a summary of both the chronic left ventricular assist and total artificial heart development progress in this laboratory.

Development of new artificial heart and lung system for infants

Development of new artificial heart and lung system for infants

Cardiac Assist Devices

We reviewed current concepts and techniques of cardiac assistance, including orthotopic and heterotopic cardiac allografting. Whereas intraaortic balloon counterpulsation has had the greatest clinical use, other techniques are now becoming available, including the implantable abdominal left ventricular assistance device, and much effort is being expended on the development of artificial hearts and their power sources. Despite the present technical shortcomings, exciting advances have occurred in the clinical management of intractable acute or chronic ventricular failure and cardiogenic shock since the introduction of circulatory assistance in man. The continued development and implementation of these techniques will help reduce the still unacceptably high mortality rate in this group of patients.

Use of the Artificial Heart for Basic Cardiovascular Research

Improved technology in artificial heart development and implantation studies in unanesthetized calves have stimulated a new model for cardiovascular research. Independent control of the left and right ventricles, replacement of the natural right atrium with an artificial atrium (with a compliant inner diaphragm) are illustrated as examples of new methods to study the cardiovascular system. Preliminary results in three calves suggest that synchronous ventricular pumping is not required for total circulatory maintenance. In four calves a passive artificial right atrium was shown to decrease outflow obstruction to the right ventricle. A compliant inner deiapragm demonstrated a reduction in the amplitude of the atrial C and V waves. The effects of volume and drug infusion on peripheral vascular response in the presence of controlled artificial heart pumping (which does not respond to direct neural or hormonal influences) further illustrate the efficacy of this preparation as a new model for cardiovascular research.

Artificial Organs and Cardiopulmonary Support Systems

A wide experience in development of the artificial kidney, lung, and heart for clinical application is gathered together in this slim volume. Its 23 papers and wise summation by John Merrill give a needed interpretation of the field of artificial organs as viewed at the end of 1971. Lasting value is enclosed in the views of Belding Scribner at the beginning and Merrill's closing remarks at the end. Scribner draws upon his vast experience to detail a precise past relationship and future applicability of renal dialysis and kidney transplantation in treating patients with kidney failure. His prophetic remarks show clearly how institution of early treatment, avoidance of blood transfusions, and adherence to a life plan for each patient allow individualization of care without blind acceptance of renal dialysis or of transplantation for total renal failure. He is able to elucidate clearly the controversial problems of contraindications to transplantation and limitations

Development of artificial implantable heart is planned

Development of artificial implantable heart is planned