Evolution of the Solenoid‐Actuated Left Ventricular Assist System: Integration with a Pusher‐Plate Pump for Intra‐Abdominal Implantation in the Calf

Abstract

The performance of an implantable left ventricular assist system (LVAS) utilizing a pulsed solenoid energy converter and a pusher-plate blood pump was characterized in vitro and in vivo. A microprocessor-based electronic control system makes the LVAS completely self-regulating over the range of operating conditions and provides considerable flexibility in various assist modalities. Over 40,000 h of in vitro and in vivo operating experience was accumulated with current systems, and significant progress was achieved in system durability and reliability. A new toggle latch provided nearly a year of failure-free operation on the bench, without measurable wear. Energy converter efficiencies of 50% were demonstrated. In vivo evaluation was highlighted by an animal experiment still in progress after nearly 4 mo. of fault-free, continuous synchronous pumping.