LINEAR SKELETAL-MUSCLE VENTRICLE - A PILOT-STUDY

We have developed a new skeletal muscle ventricle (LSMV) powered by li near contraction of the latissimus dorsi muscle (LD). This consists of two bellows of different diameters joined by a connector containing a valve. The smaller bellows is connected to the left atrium with a val ve, and the larger bellows is connected to the aorta. The caudal tendo n of the LD is attached to the connector. LD contraction pulls the con nector to compress the larger bellows and to elongate the smaller bell ows. This motion closes the valve in the connector, ejects blood in th e larger bellows, and draws blood into the smaller bellows. LD relaxat ion allows aortic blood to regurge into the larger bellows, Therefore, the LD is stretched. In acute canine experiments, the stroke work and power output of the LSMV measured 0.214 J and 0.135 W with a filling pressure of 4.3 mm Hg.