A REMOTELY CONTROLLED AND POWERED ARTIFICIAL-HEART PUMP

An intrathoracic pulsatile artificial heart pump has been developed. T ranscutaneous energy transfer and biotelemetry systems provide continu ous power and remote monitoring and control, with no percutaneous conn ections required. The electrohydraulic system can be used either as a ventricular assist device or with modifications as a total artificial heart. The device uses a unidirectional axial flow pump coupled with a pressure activated one-way valve to allow hydraulic fluid to passivel y return to the volume displacement chamber during diastole. The trans cutaneous energy transfer system provides power to the device and rech arges the implantable battery pack. A wearable external controller and external battery pack provide the patient enhanced mobility and thus an improved quality of life. The biotelemetry system allows control an d monitoring of the device after implantation, as well as an added cap ability to monitor and control the device remotely over public communi cation lines. Early prototypes have functioned failure free for up to 3 years in vitro. The device has sustained circulation in vivo for up to 4 days. Design optimization is continuing, and chronic in vivo eval uation is planned.