Thermo Cardiosystems' Heartmate ventricular assist systems

A family of ventricular assist devices (VADs) based on a single blood pump is discussed. These devices have textured blood contacting surfaces to develop a stable biologic lining. Different versions are intended for short, intermediate, and permanent use. The temporary devices are kept simple and are pneumatically driven. The longer term device contains an implanted, low-speed, DC torque motor. The pneumatic device is driven by a console that generates shaped pulses of compressed gas with a self-contained pump. An intermediate term device combines an implanted electrically actuated VAD with an external battery pack and control unit that can be worn by the patient. Power is delivered to the implanted motor through a lead that penetrates the skin. The permanent device has no skin penetrations; power is transmitted across the skin with an air core transformer.<
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