Functional improvement of a newly developed extra aortic counter-pulsation device using shape memory alloy fibers

摘要

The authors have been developing a totally implantable, non blood contacting extra aortic counter-pulsation device using shape memory alloy (SMA) fibers as an actuator. This mechanical circulatory support system would be a very desirable system for both destination therapy and as a bridge to transplant. In this study, we were able to improve the system from its contractile functional point of view. The device functions via a similar mechanism to the aortomyoplasty and extra aortic balloon pump (C pulse device), concerning its position and contraction mode. The special features of the design of the device were its mechanism of action based on the shape memory effect of the Ni-Ti alloy and its foldable structure.