[The research programme "Artificial Heart" at the 2nd Department of Surgery, University of Vienna: a ten year review (author's transl)].

The experimental and clinical results are presented of the research programme "Artificial Heart" carried out by the 2nd Department of Surgery, University of Vienna. In particular, an assessment of the clinical experience in 177 patients with the intra-aortic balloon pump is documented and it is concluded that only limited cardiac support is possible by this pump. In view of this fact more efficient methods of mechanical circulatory support, such as the interaortic auxilliary ventricle, the aortic "Windkessel" ventricle with guiding balloon, and two types of ventriculo-aortic bypass ventricle were tested with regard to their haemodynamic and long-time efficacy. The transatrio-aortic auxilliary ventricle (E-LVAD) was also clinically tested in 11 patients. In conclusion the problems of total mechanical heart replacement are discussed.