PAST, PRESENT, AND FUTURE OF TOTAL ARTIFICIAL-HEART DEVELOPMENT AT RESEARCH-INSTITUTE-OF-REPLACEMENT-MEDICINE, HIROSHIMA-UNIVERSITY SCHOOL-OF-MEDICINE

The history and recent progress in total artificial heart (TAH) develo pment were reviewed and divided into three stages. The first stage was between 1966 and 1972, when a trial developing an artificial heart (A H) driver was begun using poppet valves. Fluid amplifiers and air oper ated valves were then employed as a controller. The second stage was b etween 1973 and 1983. Several models of pneumatic AH were manufactured and implanted into animals, and it was confirmed that animals could s urvive with their circulation supported by these mechanical hearts. Th e third stage was from 1984 to the present, and now a trial to constru ct a totally implantable type of AH is under way. On the basis of the experience of developing TAHs, the following points are discussed as f uture problems to be solved: first, the production of small yet powerf ul actuators; second, the establishment of safe and reliable controls and an energy supply method; third, the development of a durable blood chamber containing valves; and fourth, the acquisition of large resea rch funds for TAH from governments and other granting agencies.