Development and Evaluation of a Pneumatic Left Ventricle Assist Thermal Power System.

摘要

The MK-8 thermocompressor engine was assembled and tested at an efficiency of 17.9% and 16.5with inputs of 25and 20watts respectively. The MK-8weights 0.94kilograms with radioisotope capsule and occupies a volume of 0.43liters. All wear and fatigue sensitive engine components demonstrated 10year life based on accelerated rate testing or wear extrapolation. The controller also demonstrated 10year life on an accelerated rate test. The 96,000hours of accumulated engine testing includes two engines which have run 26,777and 25,839hours on continuing tests. In vivo testing was resumed at the University of California at Davis. A 30day engine only implant was successfully completed.