Scandinavian Real Heart (SRH) 11 Implantation as Total Artificial Heart (TAH)-Experimental Update

One Swedish Landrace pig weighting approximately 80 kg was used to implant the SRH11. In this experiment the main focus was on the details of anesthesia as well as the mechanical function of the SRH11. The main finding from this study is that the SRH11 can deliver a wide range of cardiac output with a pulsatile waveform similar to the flow pattern of the native heart. In the anesthesia the following issues are of major importance from clinical point of view: the fluid balance and the adequate perfusions pressure is a high priority; The kidneys may be protected by a moderate dose of furosemide and measurement of urine output is mandatory; The systemic inflammatory reaction has to be controlled; At the weaning from the CPB the animal needs transfusion, therefore fresh blood should be available.