An intrathoracic solenoid drive system for chronic left ventricular bypass.

The performance of an implantable Left Ventricular Assist System (LVAS), utilizing an advanced solenoid energy converter, has been extensively studied in vivo. For optimum system efficiency, reliability and responsiveness, the energy converter and blood pump are integrated into a single compact unit, which is implanted intrathoracically in an 80 Kg calf. The MK19 LVAS is battery operated and controlled by a miniature analog computer and is completely self-regulating. The maximum hemodynamic power provided by this circulatory assist system is 4 watts with cardiac outputs up to 10 L/min and a total system efficiency of 30%. LVAS function has been studied in a series of 19 calf experiments progressing through acute, model and chronic evaluations. Development of the implantation protocols and hemodynamic characterization were achieved in a series of 8 acute experiments. Long-term studies were conducted for periods up to 43 days in a series, including 2 control experiments using non-functional models and 9 functional LVAS chronic experiments. Aortic, left ventricular and left atrial pressures, pulmonary artery flow and pump outflow were monitored with chronically implanted transducers. A dedicated minicomputer provided real-time hemodynamic analysis and continuous surveillance of physiologic and LVAS parameters. In acute studies and in the immediate post-operative period of chronic experiments, synchronous LVAS operation reduced peak LV pressures to 30 mm Hg with cardiac outputs of 5 to 7 L/min. In chronic studies, with recovery of normal LV function, long-term synchronous operation was maintained, without capture of the total cardiac output and with significantly reduced ventricular unloading.