Applications Of Mechanical Ventricular Assistance

Abstract

The physiologic effects and some applications of a method of total circulatory support were investigated in more than 100 dog experiments. Measurements of intracardiac arterial and venous pressures, cardiac output, regional blood flow, metabolic and structural changes in the heart, peripheral perfusion determined by pH and lactate changes, and changes in blood elements during mechanical ventricular assistance indicate that it is an effective way to support the circulation during ventricular fibrillation. As this method does not require extracorporeal shunts or vascular connulations and is easily and quickly applied, it appears to have potential human applications in cardiac resuscitation, in preserving viable cadaver organs prior to transplantation, and in supporting patients with acute myocardial infarction who cannot be managed successfully by other means. Further experiments will determine whether this method can extend the surgical usefulness of profound hypothermia or improve the treatment of other types of shock.