A Comparative Study of a Group of Eight Calves, Surviving Longer than 1 Month with the Total Artificial Heart

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Abstract
Over the last 2 1/2 yr, 8 calves with implanted total artificial hearts (from experimental group IV) have survived for > 1 mo. In this group 2 subgroups were further differentiated, subgroup IVa, including 3 calves surviving 31, 35 and 75 days, and subgroup IVb, with 5 calves surviving 104, 142, 150 and 155 days and 1 calf still surviving > 160 days. Mean survival in the 4th group was > 106.5 days. The artificial ventricles used were the TNS-BRNO-II made of polymethylmethacrylate (7 calves) and the TNS-BRNO-III, made of segmented polyetherurethane (1 calf). The Chirasist-TN-3 and TN-4 worked without trouble over the total duration of the studies in all calves. Autoregulation of suction was used in 3 of these calves. All calves survived in good physiological condition; however, some common changes were observed in all of them, such as a gradual central venous pressure increase and liver enlargement. Anticoagulation therapy was used in all calves. Causes of death were technical in 3 cases and biological in 4. Body weight gains were normal in the majority of these calves, with slight individual differences observed. Diaphragm mineralization of various degrees was observed in 3 cases. In 1 of them it was directly related to the cause of death. These results are very encouraging for further development of the total artificial heart research.