[The artificial heart, an alternative to heart transplantation?].

Abstract

This is a report of present time possibilities on temporary and even permanent artificial cardiac devices. Patients in low-cardiac-output syndrome after acute extensive myocardial infarction or difficult open heart surgery are candidates for temporary right and left heart bypass, which is performed in a simple way using roller-pumps from normal heart-lung machines. Oxygenation is managed by means of the patient's own lungs. Since permanent shearing motions of roller-pumps damage blood cells, membrane pumps were developed for longterm perfusion. Membrane pumps are also used in artificial hearts which are designed for permanent substitute in patients suffering from terminal coronary insufficiency. Big problems still exist as there are: tremendous sizes of extra-corporeal pneumatic pump devices and durability of plastic material used.

• Authors: B Reichart
• Journal: Fortschritte der Medizin (Fortschr Med) Vol. 98 Issue 14 Pg. 529-32 (Apr 10 1980) ISSN: 0015-8178 [Print] Germany
• Vernacular Title: Das künstliche Herz eine Alternative zur Herztransplantation?
• PMID: 6989725 (Publication Type: English Abstract, Journal Article)

Topics

• Cardiac Output
• Cardiopulmonary Bypass
• Coronary Artery Bypass
• Heart Transplantation
• Heart Valve Diseases (surgery)
• Humans
• Intra-Aortic Balloon Pumping
• Myocardial Infarction (complications)
• Postoperative Complications
• Prognosis
• Shock, Cardiogenic (etiology)