Evaluation of an Implantable Cardiac Substitute

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Abstract
An hydraulically actuated "artificial heart" consisting of an outer rigid chamber divided into 2 compartments by a compressible Silastic membrane was described. The results of evaluation of this as a right and left heart substitute in dogs are discussed. Cardiac output, pulmonary and aortic blood pressures, pH, pCO2 [CO2 pressure] and pO2 [O2 pressure]levels of arterial and venous blood could be maintained in the normal range, utilizing the cardiac substitute. Such a prosthesis can be developed that will work efficiently enough to provide adequate pulmonary and systemic blood flow, at least under resting conditions.