The Immediate Effects of Dynamic Stretching and Static Stretching Using a Wedge Board on the Balance Ability and Jump Function of Healthy Adult

Purpose@#This study aims to measure the improvement of balanced ability and rapid response of 30 healthy adults by performing dynamic stretching, static stretching, and sargent jump. @*Methods@#The sample 30 peoples without any musculoskeletal disease who volunteered to be the subject of the study. We measured all subjects on following metrics to evaluate the function and stability under the normal condition, with dynamic stretching (DS) group, static stretching (SS) group: vertical jump height and reaching distance Anterior, Posteromedial, Posterolateral and NO (Normal eye open), NC (Normal eye close), PO (Pillow with eye open), and PC (Pillow with close eye) were evaluated. All measures were analyzed using independent t-test and One-way repeated Anova. @*Results@#There was a significant increase in SJH (Sargent jump) in both groups (p 0.05). There was no significant improvement in ST (Stability Index) and WDI (Weight Distribution Index) in both groups (p > 0.05). @*Conclusion@#Both DS and SS showed significant improvement in SJH and Y-balance tests, which are dynamic functions, but had no significant effect on static balance ability.

The Effect of Intraperitoneal Calcitriol Pulse Therapy in CAPD Patients with Secondary Hyperparathyroidism / 대한신장학회지

PURPOSE: In hemodialysis patients with secondary hyperparathyroidism, intravenous administration of calcitriol became widely utilized. In CAPD patients, however, the intravenous administration of calcitriol is not practical. The purpose of the present study was to determine the effect and safety of intraperitoneal (IP) calcitriol pulse therapy in CAPD patients. METHODS: All patients undergoing CAPD between January 2006 and January 2007 and willing to give informed consent were eligible. Inclusion criteria were age greater 18 years, on CAPD for at least 6 months, and secondary hyperparathyroidism (intact PTH >300 pg/mL). Intraperitoneal calcitriol was given by direct infusion into the dialysate (2.0 microgram) twice per week. If hypercalcemia (>10.5 mg/dL) and hyperphosphatemia (>6.5 mg/dL) developed, the patients were excluded from study. RESULTS: Eighteen patients were enrolled into the study. Among them, 16 patients completed the study period. After IP calcitriol for 3 months, there was a significant drop of iPTH level from the pretreatment level of 490+/-234 pg/mL to the level of 318+/-315 pg/mL (p<0.05). There were no definite hypercalcemia during the study period, and only 1 patient was excluded from study due to hyperphosphatemia. CONCLUSION: In CAPD patients, IP calcitriol pulse therapy is effective in treating secondary hyperparathyroidism, and that IP calcitriol pulse therapy is associated with a low incidence of hypercalcemia and hyperphosphatemia.

Tissue engineering of heart valves by recellularization of glutaraldehyde-fixed porcine valves using bone marrow-derived cells

To increase the biocompatibility and durability of glutaraldehyde (GA)-fixed valves, a biological coating with viable endothelial cells (ECs) has been proposed. However, stable EC layers have not been formed successfully on GA-fixed valves due to their inability to repopulate. In this study, to improve cellular adhesion and proliferation, the GA-fixed prostheses were detoxified by treatment with citric acid to remove free aldehyde groups. Canine bone marrow mononuclear cells (MNCs) were differentiated into EC-like cells and myofibroblast-like cells in vitro. Detoxified prostheses were seeded and recellularized with differentiated bone marrow-derived cells (BMCs) for seven days. Untreated GA-fixed prostheses were used as controls. Cell attachment, proliferation, metabolic activity, and viability were investigated and cell-seeded leaflets were histologically analyzed. On detoxified GA-fixed prostheses, BMC seeding resulted in uninhibited cell proliferation after seven days. In contrast, on untreated GA-fixed prostheses, cell attachment was poor and no viable cells were observed. Positive staining for smooth muscle a-actin, CD31, and proliferating cell nuclear antigen was observed on the luminal side of the detoxified valve leaflets, indicating differentiation and proliferation of the seeded BMCs. These results demonstrate that the treatment of GA-fixed valves with citric acid established a surface more suitable for cellular attachment and proliferation. Engineering heart valves by seeding detoxified GA-fixed biological valve prostheses with BMCs may increase biocompatibility and durability of the prostheses. This method could be utilized as a new approach for the restoration of heart valve structure and function in the treatment of end-stage heart valve disease.

Subacute Bacterial Endocarditis and Cerebral mycotic Aneurysm

A 30-year-old man was transferred to Yonsei Cardiovascular Hospital after 20 days of hospitalization under the diagnosis of bacterial endocarditis with mitral regurgitation and septic splenic infarct. He had suffered from intermittent high fever and general weakness for 3 months. Echocardiogram showed moderate mitral regurgitation and multiple large vegetations in both leaflets. Streptococcus viridans was confirmed by blood cultures, and administration of cefazoline and gentamycin was initiated. During the antibiotic therapy, abdominal and left calf pain developed, and abdominal computed tomography showed splenic and right renal infarct. He also complained intermittent headache and visual distrubance. Brain computed tomography and four vessels angiography showed a small aneurysm in right hemisphere and other small aneurysm in fronto-occipital area of left middle cerebral artery. No more systemic embolization developed until the completion of six weeks of antibiotic therapy. The patient underwent mitral valve replacement with #29 Carpenitier-Edwards Bioprosthesis. At operation, the anterior and posterior mitral leaflets were found perforated and covered with leaflets were found perforated and covered with multiple vegetations. Follow-up cerebral angiography taken at seventh postoperative day, showed enlargement of cerebral aneurysm. Clipping of saccular aneurysms on left M3 and M4 were performed and complete resolution of aneurysm was confirmed by brain computed tomography. On operative finding, an aneurysm was found on with saccular type. The patient was dischanged without complication on eighth postoperative day.

Experimental Study of Adjustable Pulmonary Artery Banding Device / 대한흉부외과학회지

We developed a subcutaneously adjustable new pulmonary artery banding device which can be easily tightened or released in patients with unstable postoperative hemodynamics. The banding device consists of stainless spring which is enveloped with PTFE, and polyvinyl catheter(5F). And the adjuster consists of another polyvinyl tube with forming cap. We mark transluscent polyvinyl tube 1mm each in length. 6 dogs weighing 15 to 25 kg underwent banding of descending thoracic aorta with the device. At postoperative 1 and 2 day, the device was effectively banded and released. Even 3 months later, we noted effective banding with some degree of vessel injury. The preliminary animal study suggests that this new device may be applicable in patient with excessive pulmonary blood flow.

External Compression of Bronchus by Aneurysm from Divided Major Aortopulmonary Collateral Artery after Unifocalization / 대한흉부외과학회지

Multistage unifocalization and complete repair have been performed for pulmonary atresia ventricular septal defect and major aortopulmonary collateral arteries. We reported a case that divided major aortopulmonary collateral artery was changed into an aneurysm that compressed the left main bronchus. A 1-year-8-month old boy was operated. The Rastelli operation with left pulmonary artery reconstructuion ligation of patent ductus arteriosus and take-down of right Blalock-Taussing shunt was performed on the patient who had pulmonary atreisia ventricular septal defect patent ductus arteriosus and MAPCA at 1 year and 8 months of his age. He previously underwent the unifocalization and right B-T shunt at 9 months of age,. He repeatedly had difficulty in weaning from the mechanical ventilator, After removing the aneurysm from the divided MAPCA that compressed the left main bronchus externally it was possible to wean him from the mechanical ventilator.

Open Heart Surgery in Patient with Heparin-Induced Thrombocytopenia / 대한흉부외과학회지

A 45 year old man was admitted for aggravated dyspnea, abdominal distension and poor oral intake.On Echocardiogram,mitral stenosis(severe),tricuspid regurgitaion(IV),and LA thrombus were diagnosed.We used heparin with continuous infusion for prevention of systemic thrombo embolism. On the 11 th day of admissin, the patient showed thrombocytopenia and we suspected Heparin-induced thrombocytopenia.Hirudin was used in this case as alternative anticoagulant during cardiopulmonary bypass to prevent serious complication of heparin.The patient was recovered without any complication as postoperative bleeding or systemic thromboembolism.

Alterations in Left ventricular End-systolic Wall Stress During Short-term Follow-up After Correction of Isolated Congenital Aortic Stenosis / 대한흉부외과학회지

BACKGROUND: Congenital aortic stenosis in children is characterized by "excessive" left ventricular hypertrophy with reduced left ventricular systolic wall stress that allows for supernormal ejection performance. We hypothesized that left ventricular wall stress was decreased immediately after surgical correction of pure congenital aortic stenosis. Also measuring postoperative left ventricular wall stress was a useful noninvasive measurement that allowed direct assessment for oxygen consumption of myocardium than measuring the peak systolic pressure gradient between ascending aorta and left ventricle for the assessment of surgical results. MATERIAL AND METHOD: Between September 1993 and August 1999, 8 patients with isolated congenital aortic stenosis who underwent surgical correction at Yonsei cardiovascular center were evaluated. There were 6 male and 2 female patients ranging in age from 2 to 11 years(mean age, 10 years). Combined Hemodynamic-Ultrasonic method was used for studying left ventricular wall stress. We compared the wall stress peak systolic pressure gradient and ejection fraction preoperatively and postoperatively. RESULT: After surgical correction peak aortic gradient fell from 58.4+/-17.6, to 23.7+/-17.7 mmHg(p=0.018) and left ventricular ejection fraction decreased but it is not statistically significant. In the consideration of some factors that influence left ventricular end-systolic wall stress excluding one patient who underwent reoperation for restenosis of left ventricular outflow tract left ventricular end-systolic pressure and left ventricular end-systolic dimension were fell from 170.6+/-24.3 to 143.7+/-27.1 mmHg and from 1.78+/-0.4 to 1.76+/-0.4 cm respectively and left ventricular posterior wall thickness was increased from 1.10+/-0.2, to 1.27+/-0.3cm but it was not statistically singificant whereas left ventricular end-systolic wall stress fell from 79.2+/-24.9 to 57.1+/-27.6 kdynes/cm2(p=0.018) in 7 patients. For one patient who underwent reoperation peak aortic gradient fell from 83.0 to 59.7 mmHg whereas left ventricular end-systolic wall stress increased from 67.2 to 97.0 kdynes/cm2 The intervals did not change significnatly. CONCLUSION: We believe that probably some factors that are related to left ventricular geometry influenced the decreased left ventricular wall stress immediately after surgical correction of isolated congenital aortic stenosis. Left ventricular wall stress is a noninvasive measurement and can allow for more direct assesment than measuring peak aortic gradient particularly in consideration of the stress and oxygen consumption of the myocardium therefore we can conclude it is a useful measurement for postoperative assessment of congenital aortic stenosis.

Surgical Result of Congenital Mitral Regurgitation in Children / 대한흉부외과학회지

Between January, 1991 and May 1995, mitral valve repair was undertaken on 32 patients under 15 years for congenital mitral regurgitation. Mean age was 24.0+/-26.1 months(range 3 months to 15 years), 16 patients were male and 16 patients were female associated cardiac anomalies were found in 26 patients (81%), and ventricular septal defects were noted in 18 patients(56%). In regards to pathologic findings, there were annular dilatation(n:7), leaflet prolapse(n=18), cleft leaflet(n=5) and restricted valve motion (n=2). The method of repair consisted of annuloplasty(Modif ed Devega type) in 14, repair of redundunt leaflet in 6, closure of cleft in 5, triangular resection in 2 and splitting of papillary muscle in one. There was no operative mortality and two late deaths occurred as a result of heart failure and sepsis. Tro patients required replacement of the mitral valve after 3 months and 7 months respectivehy because of recurrent mitral regurgitation. Actuarial survival was 92.5% at 46 months and actuarial freedom from reoperation was 95% at 12 months and 92.5% at 46 months. Actuarial freedom from valve repair failure was 68% at 12 months and 61.8% at 46 months. Although valve repair failure rate was high, we believe that mitral valve repair should be of rcrred to children because of low mortality and low reoperation rate.

Repair of Total Anomalous Pulmonary Venous Return in Infant / 대한흉부외과학회지

BACKGROUND: Total anomalous pulmonary venous return is a relatively rare disease which has a very high mortality(80% within a year) if not properly corrected surgically. MATERIAL AND METHOD: Twenty-six infants with total anomalous pulmonary venous return underwent repair between May, 1991 and February, 1996. RESULT: There were 19 boys and 7 girls. The mean age at operation was 2.6 months(range: 5 day to 11 month) and the mean body weight was 4.3kg(range:2.8 to 6.7 kg). Preoperative stabilization included ventilator for 5 patients and inotropic support for 6 patients. There were 6 hospital mortalities. Significant risk factors of operative mortality were preoperative ventilator care(p<0.03) and preoperative inotropic support(p<0.05). Age, body weight at operation, pulmonary venous obstruction, high pulmonary arterial pressure, spurasystemic right ventricular pressure or emergency operation did not affected the operative outcome. Postperative pulmonary venous obstruction occurred in three patients 2 or 3 months later, among them one patient was reoperated. The actuarial survival was 76% at 40 months. CONCLUSION: Although early mortality was high, repair of total anomalous pulmonary venous return should be attempted in early life, but the patients receiving ventilator care or inotropic support need special attention.

Redo Operations for Recurrent Dissection After Operation for Type A Aortic Dissection / 대한흉부외과학회지

BACKGROUND: Stanford type A aortic dissection after graft replacement of ascending aorta and/or aortic arch required careful follow-up due to progression of the enlarged false lumen or the recurrence of dissection. From June 1984 to June 2000, 124 patients underwent operations for type A aortic dissection. Among them, 6 patients underwent reoperation due to recurred aneurysm or dissection. We evaluated that the causes of reoperation, including Marfan syndrome, the approach and result of reoperation, and strategy to reduce the risk of reoperation. MATERIAL AND METHOD: The first operation was done on acute stage in 4 cases, and chronic stage in 2 cases. There were Marfan syndromes in 3 cases. The entry site was the ascending aorta for all cases except one who underwent Bentall operation(n=3) or ascending aorta graft replacement(n=2). In one case, Bentall operation and total arch replacement was performed due to chronic type A dissection with multiple fenestrations. Mean interval of reoperation was 67.6months(range 5 months to 14 year 4months) after the first operation. Reoperations were performed with recurrence of dissection(n=4), threatening aneurysmal evolution of persisting dissection(n=1), and false aneurysm with infection(n=1). The redo operation involved the hemiarch in 1 case, distal ascending to total arch and descending thoracic aorta in 4 cases, and only descending thoracic aorta in 1 case. RESULT: There were Marfan syndromes in 18 patients. The mean age in type A dissection was 56.7 years and that in the first operation of reoperation cases was 32.2 years. Especially in 3 patients with Marfan syndrome, the mean age was 29 years. All patients who underwent reoperation survived. Postoperative complications were bleeding and tracheostomy in 1, mediastinitis in 1 and transient delirium in 1 case. Postoperatively, all the patients were followed-up in regular interval. Five patients were evaluated with computerized tomography, 1- 79months(mean: 31.5months) after the reoperation. The false lumen had regressed in 1 cases, persisted without progression in 4 cases. CONCLUSION: The clinical results of reoperation after type A aortic dissection operation were satisfactory. In younger patients with Marfan syndrome, the risk of reoperation was high. Careful and regular follow-up for the persistent false lumen is necessary.

Clinical Experience of Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm / 대한흉부외과학회지

BACKGROUND: Surgery of abdominal aortic aneurysm revealed high operative mortality. We reviewed our 11-years' experiences of abdominal aortic aneurysm operation and wish to obtain information on the treatment. MATERIAL AND METHOD: From Jan. 1990 to Dec. 2000, 48 patients were operated due to abdominal aortic aneurysm in Yonsei Cardiovascular Center. Mean age was 62.8+/-12.7 and there were 40 males and 8 females. Among 48 patients, nine patients had ruptured abdominal aortic aneurysm, and mean aneurysm diameter of non-ruptured cases was 8.8+/-2.4 cm. RESULT: There were 6 early deaths, and early mortality was 12.5%. Among 9 patients of preoperative aneurysm rupture, three patients died (33.3%), and among 39 patients of non-ruptured cases, 3 patients died (7.7%). Among preoperative variables, age (p<0.05), preoperative BUN level (p<0.05), and DM (p<0.05) were risk factors of early mortality. Among discharged 42 patients, 40 patients were followed up (f/u rate=95.2%) and mean follow up was 3.6+/-0.2 years. During follow up periods, five patients died (late mortality=11.9%), and Kaplan-Meier survival analysis revealed 81.7+/-7.6% survival rate at five and ten year. Linealized incidence of graft related event was 3.53% per patient-year. CONCLUSION: Surgical mortality of ruptured abdominal aortic aneurysm was higher than non-ruptured cases; therefore, early resection of the aneurysm can decrease the surgical mortality.

Treatment of Protein-losing Enteropathy After Fontan Procedure by Conversion to the Total Cavopulmonary Connection with Fenestration / 대한흉부외과학회지

As the operative mortality has diminished and the number of survivors has increased after Fontan procedure, morbidities related to the unnatural physiology of cavopulmonary flow have developed. One of the complications by the hemodynamic derangement after Fontan procedure is a protein-losing enteropathy. This is a rare but life-threatening complication after the Fontan operation. Treatment strategies are highly variable. But, reports on successful management are limited. We experienced three cases of protein-losing enteropathy after the Fontan operation. We report that the conversion to the total extracardiac or intracardiac cavopulmonary connection with fenestration is a satisfactory treatment modality for protein- losing enteropathy after the Fontan operation.

Early and Late Surgical Result of Post MI-VSD / 대한흉부외과학회지

BACKGROUND: Despite early aggressive treatment, post myocardial infarction(MI) ventricular septal defect(VSD) revealed high surgical mortality. We reviewed the 10-year experiences of surgically treated post-MI VSD in Yonsei University. MATERIAL AND METHOD: From Jan. 1991 to May 2001, 17 patients underwent surgical repair of post-MI VSD. Ages ranged between 47 and 77 years (mean age=63.2+/-9.1). There were 10 males and 7 females. VSD was located at anterior in 16 patients and at posterior in one. IABP was inserted preoperatively in 12 patients due to cardiogenic shock. Mean interval from MI to occurrence of VSD was 5.6 days. Among patients undergoing early surgical correction(n=13), mean interval from occurrence of VSD to operation was 2.5 days. In 11 patients, concomitant CABG was performed during repair of VSD. RESULT: Four patients died within 30 days after the operation (30 day mortality=23.5%). Among 12 patients with preoperative cardiogenic shock, 4 patients died within 30 days (30-day mortality=33.3%). During mean follow up period of 52 months, one patient died of unknown cause and 10-year survival of discharged patients was 66.7%. All follow-up patients were in NYHA functional class I or II when their last OPD visit. CONCLUSION: In the treatment of post-MI VSD, aggressive medical treatment with early surgical correction seems to be very important in terms early and long-term survival of patients.

Long-Term Clinical Results of Tricuspid Valve Replacement / 대한흉부외과학회지

BACKGROUND: There are only limited numbers of reports about long-term results of tricuspid valve replacement (TVR) with bioprosthetic and mechanical prostheses. We analyzed risk factors for tricuspid valve replacement and compared long-term clinical results of bioprosthetic and mechanical valves in tricuspid position. MATERIAL AND METHOD: We reviewed 77 cases of TVR, which were performed between October 1978 and December 1996. Mean age was 38.8 15.9 years. Bioprostheses were implanted in 26 cases and mechanical prostheses were implanted in 51 cases. RESULT: The operative mortality was 15.6% and late mortality was 12.3%. Survival for bioprosthetic and mechanical valve group at 5, 10 and 13 years was 81.3% vs. 100%, 66.1% vs. 100%, 60.6% vs. 100% (p= 0.0175). Free from valve related re-operation for bioprosthetic and mechanical valve group at 5, 10 and 13 years was 100 % vs. 93.9%, 100% vs. 93.9% and 58.3% vs. 93.9% (p=0.3274). Linealized incidences of valve related re-operation for bioprosthetic and mechanical valve group was 2.27 %/patient-years and 1.10 %/patient-years. Risk factor analysis showed that presence of preoperative ascites, hepatomegaly larger than 2 finger breaths, poor preoperative NYHA functional class and number of tricuspid valve replacement were risk factors for early mortality, and the use of bioprosthetic valve and number of open heart surgery were risk factors for late mortality. CONCLUSION: Long-term survival of mechanical valve was superior to bioprosthetic valve in tricuspid position. We recommend mechanical valve in tricuspid position if the patient can be closely followed up.

The Compression of Left Main Bronchus Caused by Dilated Descending Aorta After Ligation of PDA / 대한흉부외과학회지

Vascular compression of the tracheobronchial tree can create troublesome respiratory problems after an otherwise successful correction of a cardiac defect. This case represents a left main bronchial obstruction caused by dilated descending aorta after ligation of patent ductus arteriosus. An 8-month-old boy received an operation of mitral valve repair and PDA ligation due to mitral regurgitation and PDA. After the operation, atelectasis of left lung developed. The left main bronchial obstruction by dilated descending aorta was found on chest CT scan. The second operation was done. In the operative field, it was found that the sight of ligation of PDA was too close to left pulmonary artery, and redundant descending aorta compressed anteriorly left main bronchus. Ligated PDA was divided, the redundant descending aorta was opened and sutured to decrease the size. After the operation, atelectasis of left lung was resolved.

Relation of Neoaortic Root Dilation and Aortic Insufficiency after Arterial Switch Operation / 대한흉부외과학회지

BACKGROUND: Arterial switch operation (ASO) has been the most effective surgical option for transposition of the great arteries. But, the inappropriate dilation of the neoaortic root has been reported and its effect on neoaortic valve function and growth of aorta has not been well documented. MATERIAL AND METHOD: Forty-eight patients who underwent cardiac catheterization during follow up after arterial switch operation were included in this study. Arterial switch operation was performed at a median age of 18 days (range 1~211 days). Preoperative cardiac catheterization was performed in 26 patients and postoperative catheterization was performed in all patients at 15.8+/-9.6 months after ASO. Postoperative ratios of the diameters of neoaortic annulus, root and aortic anastomosis against the descending aorta were compared to the size of preoperative pulmonary annular, root and sinotubular junction. Preoperative and operative parameters were analyzed for the risk factors of neoaortic insufficiency. RESULT: There were two clinically significant neoaortic insufficiencies (grade> or =II/IV) during follow up, one of which required aortic valve replacement. Another patient required reoperation due to aortic stenosis on the anastomosis site. Postoperatively, neoaortic annulus/DA ratio increased from 1.33+/-0.28 to 1.52+/-.033 (p=0.01) and neoaortic root/DA ratio increased form 2.02+/-0.40 to 2.56+/-0.38 (p30 days) (p= 0.02), preopeative native pulmonaic valve stenosis (p=0.01), and bisuspid pulmonic valve (p=0.03) were the risk factors for neoaortic insufficiency in univariate risk factor analysis. CONCLUSION: After ASO, aortic anastomosis site showed normal growth pattern proportional to the descending aorta, but neoaortic valve annulus and root were disproportionally dilated. Significant neoaortic valve insufficiency rarely developed after ASO and neoaortic annulus and root size do not correlate with the presence of postoperative neoarotic insufficiency. ASO after neonatal period, preoperative native pulmonary valve stenosis, and bicuspid native pulmonic valve are risk factors for the development of neoaortic insufficiency.

A Case of Primary Cardiac Sarcoma with Brain Metastasis

Primary cardiac sarcomas are an extremely rare disease, which are usually diagnosed late, as they seldom display symptoms until they obstruct the cardiac outflow or spread to distant organs. We report the case of a 57-year-old female presenting symptoms of a brain tumor, such as dizziness and visual disturbance. Further evaluations revealed multiple brain metastatic tumors, and a cardiac tumor as the primary lesion. Histological examination of the resected cardiac tumor showed cells of a poorly differentiated sarcoma. The current literature regarding incidences, diagnosing techniques, treatment strategies and prognosis of primary cardiac sarcomas are briefly reviewed with our case report.

Postoperative arrhythmia after open heart surgery / 대한흉부외과학회지

No abstract available.

Development and Animal Tests of Pneumatic Ventricular Assist Device / 대한흉부외과학회지

Ten acute and chronic in vivo studies were utilized to develop a pneumatic ventricular assist device(VAD) as a bridge to heart transplantation or a circulatory assist device for patients with end-stage heart disease or poor myocardial function after cardiac surgery. Two sizes of blood pump of 70cc for adult patients and 34cc for pediatric patients were implanted in the animals. Ventricle of the blood pump was made from the polyurethane to enhance antithrombogenecity. The VAD was implanted between the left atrium and the descending aorta. Average flow rate was 2.38 L/min for adult and 0.41 L/min for pediatric VAD at the rate of 60 bpm. The duration of support ranged from 1 to 26 hours. The most frequent complication was bleeding. Main causes of death were heart failure and respiratory failure. The device function was good for short term use. Studies to date suggest that, with further refinement, a reliable long term VAD that will have clinical application can be developed.