Experimental artificial heart implantation

1. 1. An artificial heart with external compression power and control of our own design has been described. 2. 2. Experience with twenty-one implantations in dogs is discussed with special reference to causes of failure. Loss of valve fixation and compressor breakdown accounted for most of the failures. 3. 3. At autopsy, clot was present in only one instance and this was secondary to left ventricular inflow stenosis due to faulty surgical technic. Virtual absence of thrombosis is attributed to valve design and use of polyurethane in making valves and ventricles. 4. 4. The features of this particular heart design that show merit along with indicated changes and improvements are discussed. 5. 5. The immediate value of a chronic preparation with artificial heart substitution is in its physiologic and pharmacologic applications.