Permanent circulatory support systems at the Pennsylvania State University

Two systems which provide long-term circulatory support are described: the left ventricular assist system and the total artificial heart. These systems are based on the design of a pusher plate actuated blood pump, driven by a small brushless DC electric motor and rollerscrew driver. An implantable motor controller maintains suitable physiologic flow rates for both systems and controls left-right balance in the total artificial heart. Other parts of the system include an intrathoracic compliance chamber, transcutaneous energy and data transmission system, and internal and external batteries.<
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