Miniature Elctrohydraulic Total Artificial Heart

The limited availability of donor hearts for people with end stage heart failure has driven the condevelopment of mechanical circulatory support systems (MCSSs). MCSSs can be broadly classified intocontinuous flow systems. Pulsatile systems drive blood indirectly through blood pumps, resulting inThis disadvantage of these systems, however, is their relatively large size. Continuous flow systemssimplicity, but with a flow driver that directly contracts blood, resulting in increased tendency tohemolysis. The MCSSs described here can potentially combine the blood compatibility of pulsatile MCSthe simplicity and small size of continuous MCSSs. This device modifies our existing electrohydrauliinformation intentionally deleted] The device operates as a simpler, low stroke volume and high beatdeliver up to 12 L/min against a 100 mmHg afterload, and has the potential to be 1/2 the size of exiPhase I studies will focus on complete in vitro characterization of the device, incorporation of Staand preliminary in vivo evaluation. Phase II studies will focus on miniaturization and further in viincluding studies of nonpulsatile versus pulsatile circulatory support.