Development of a pulsatile flow-generating circulatory-assist device.

We developed a new circulation-assist device that can generate pulsatile assist flow synchronized with the patient's diastolic phase. The device is composed of a drainage tube, a centrifugal pump, an oxygenator, and a sending tube. A portable magnetic valve device composed of a pulse generator and a tamper, which produces intermittent mechanical compression, is attached to the pillow of the sending tube. Preliminary animal experiments were conducted. No changes in the animals' hemodynamics or any device problems were observed during a preliminary 48-h test run. Significant diastolic augmentation was confirmed. This new device may be useful in treating patients with severe heart failure and could be more useful than using percutaneous cardiopulmonary support (PCPS) alone.