Steady state hemodynamic and energetic characterization of the Penn State/3M Health Care Total Artificial Heart.

Total Artificial Heart (TAH) development at Penn State University and 3M Health Care has progressed from design improvements and manufacturing documentation to in vitro and in vivo testing to characterize the system's hemodynamic response and energetic performance. The TAH system is completely implantable and intended for use as an alternative to transplantation. It includes a dual pusher plate pump and rollerscrew actuator, welded electronics and battery assembly, transcutaneous energy transmission system, telemetry, and a compliance chamber.

Recent improvements in a completely implanted total artificial heart.

The total artificial heart under development by the Pennsylvania State University and 3M Health Care has undergone a number of design improvements to improve reliability, manufacturability, implantability, and performance. These improvements are nearing completion in preparation for formal durability testing. The redesigned implanted electronics canister, consisting of a welded titanium shell with hermetic connectors, contains the control, telemetry, and energy transmission electronics, as well as a 9 cell, 800 mAhr Ni-Cd battery pack.

In vivo testing of a completely implanted total artificial heart system.

The authors performed 14 implants of a completely implanted total artificial heart (TAH) system in calves. The system consisted of a dual pusher plate rollerscrew energy converter, two sac type blood pumps, an implanted electronic control and battery package, and a transcutaneous energy transmission system. Ten of the implants included a percutaneous lead for monitoring of the implant; the remainder made use of wireless two way telemetry between the implant and the outside.

A completely implantable total artificial heart system.

The authors developed, built, and tested in vivo a completely implanted total artificial heart (TAH) system. The system used a reduced size version of a roller screw energy converter and mating sac blood pumps. The motor drive, pumps, and a compliance chamber were implanted intrathoracically.