[Animal experiments using the left-ventricular-assist system].

The left ventricular assist device (LVAD) was tested in 27 sternotomied dogs using hemodynamic parameters. The left ventricular failure was attained by the starvation of the coronary vessels. The use of cannulae and ventriculi fitting for the size of the animals, and a diastolic vacuum were an essential premise for an effective support of the left heart. By variation of the latent period, the systole duration, and the operating pressures were selected for optimal pumping conditions. The effectiveness of the LVAD was shown by the detected pressure and flow parameters.