| Research Abstract |
In this study, we aimed at development of totally implantable, permanent use, clinical ventricular assist device (VAD) and total artificial heart (TAH). As for the long term durability of the system, we were successful in continuously running the VAD in the simulated internal physiological conditions for over 3-month duration. Concerning the in vivo evaluation of the devices, the experiment was terminated after 5, 6, 17, 17, 18 days in 5 calves maybe due to thromboembolic complications around prosthetic valves and connection system, anti-coagulation therapy, etc, but not due to thrombus formation inside the blood pump. With improvement in post-operative animal care, we should be able to obtain long term survival in near future
As for TAH, we were successful in working out all the necessary procedure in implanting the TAH in 70-90 Kg size calves and in obtaining the 30 hour survival. Together with the VAD study, we will continue to improve the system and to obtain reliable TAH system for future
We also expended our efforts in developing magnetically and hydrodynamically levitated centrifugal blood pump. A prototype magnetically levitated system has been successfully designed and currently under in vitro evaluation, followed with the in vivo evaluation
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