title: Electromechanical artificial heart with a new gear type and angled pump chambers.
abstract: The intrathoracic anatomical situation after explantation of the natural heart defines the maximum available space for the design of the housing as well as of the inlet- and outlet connectors of a fully implantable electromechanical artificial heart. Based on computer-assisted anatomical studies, a total artificial heart housing is designed which facilitates an oblique orientation of the pumping chambers for a better fluidmechanical and anatomical arrangement of the in- and outlet connectors. The pumping chamber geometry is based on modifications of an existing cardiac assist-system. Subsequently a mechanical gear which conforms to this anatomically adapted housing is developed.
authors.affiliation: Helmholtz-Institute for Biomedical Engineering at the RWTH, Aachen, Germany.
authors.forename: R
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Kaufmann
authors.forename: H
authors.initials: H
authors.lastname: Reul
authors.forename: G
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Rau
mesh_terms: D006354:Heart, Artificial; D006353:Heart-Assist Devices; D006801:Humans