ABSTRACT
In 1812, LeGallois [1813] postulated the use of mechanical circulatory support. In 1934, DeBakey proposed a continuous flow blood transfusion instrument using a simple roller pump [DeBakey, 1934]. In 1961, Dennis et al., performed left heart bypass by inserting cannulae into the left atrium and returning blood through the femoral artery [Dennis, 1979]. In 1961, Kolff and Moulopoulos developed the first intraaortic balloon pump [Moulopoulos et al., 1962]. In 1963, Liota performed the first clinical implantation of a pulsatile left ventricular assist device [Liotz et al., 1963]. In 1969, Dr. Denton Cooley performed the first total artificial heart implantation in a human [Cooley et al., 1969]. Since 1969, air driven artificial hearts and ventricular assist devices have been utilized in over 200 and 600 patients, respectively. The primary use of these devices has been as a bridge to transplant. Recently, electrically powered ventricular assist devices have been utilized in humans as a bridge to transplant. These electrically powered systems utilize implanted blood pumps and energy converters with percutaneous drive cables and vent tubes.
