Implantation of the undulation pump total artificial heart in the goat

The undulation pump total artificial heart (UPTAH) was developed by using s mall-size continuous-flow displacement-type blood pumps (undulation pump). To clarify and improve the problems accompanied by the implantation in the chest, 14 animal experiments were performed on goats weighing 41.3-79.2 kg. The UPTAH could be implanted in the chest of all goats and was driven with a modulation pulsatile mode. The first problem was the atrial suction effe ct. This problem could be prevented to some extent by developing the soft d isk and by improving atrial cuffs. An automatic detection and releasing of the atrial suction effect was also tried. The next problem was acute lung e dema accompanied by the postural change of the animal. Development of the a utomatic control of left atrial pressure could prevent this problem. Small blood leakage from a pinpoint hole in the seal membrane was the next proble m. Improvement of the manufacturing procedure of the membrane prevented thi s. With these improvements, a 10 day survival could be obtained with this u nique implantable total artificial heart.