The Penn State implantable artificial heart: Current status

Summary

For treatment of patients with intractable biventricular failure for whom heart transplantation is not appropriate, we are developing an implantable artificial heart system. The artificial heart is composed of an electromechanical driver that alternately compresses the blood sacs of pumps mounted to both sides. We have demonstrated one-year operation in vitro without failure or signs of wear. The hermetically sealed device has been implanted with percutaneous wires in eight experimental animals and has performed well.

With United States Public health Service support, we are in the process of resizing the device for clinical application and developing the remaining components of the artificial heart system. Energy is provided by an implanted battery for brief periods and through an inductive link over the long term. The recipient must carry an energy transmission system primary circuit at all times. The design of the primary circuit encourages rotation of three or more batteries between the patient and a separate charger, so that the patient may avoid being tethered to a.c. lines indefinitely.

Prototypes of implanted components have been fabricated and in vitro testing has begun; in vivo testing will begin shortly.