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Biomedical subjects

I Fujimasa

Publications and source records attributed to I Fujimasa.

At least 37 records · Page 2Linked to original sources

Research and development on total artificial heart in University of Tokyo.

The research and development on the total artificial heart (TAH) in the University of Tokyo can be divided chronologically into the three stages, i.e., the first stage (1959-1970); trial and error stage to find appropriate hardwares, the second stage (1970-1985); software stage to find how to control pneumatic TAH and to manage the animals, and the third stage (1985- ); final goal to develop implantable TAH for animal and human. This paper reviews the process of research and development in each stage.

Animals↗

Quantitative approach to determine the application time of the left ventricular assist device.

This study was designed to establish a method for determining the optimal time of the application of the left ventricular assist device from the viewpoint of the metabolism of the vital organs. Quantitative systemic low flow states were made utilizing goats with total artificial hearts. During these experiments, arterial lactate and pyruvate values were sequentially measured. The behavior of anaerobic metabolism during low cardiac output states and in the recovery process following normalization of the cardiac output was quantitatively described and evaluated. The experimental results are summarized as follows: If a time when the decay of arterial lactate ceases at a level above the normal level by greater than 30 mg/dl is observed despite the use of intraaortic balloon pumping, that time is the exact optimal time for application of the left ventricular assist device. There is a great possibility that circulatory failure will be irreversible if left ventricular assist pumping is not initiated before the arterial lactate value increases to greater than or equal to 140 mg/dl. The method of evaluating the alteration of anaerobic metabolism described in this study is useful for determining the application time of the left ventricular assist device.

Animals↗

How can the total artificial heart (TAH) patient be mobile and enjoy his life with an air driven system?

Two air driven VAD and TAH driving and control units were developed for clinical use, one to be installed at the bedside and the other to be installed in an electric wheelchair. The reliability and safety of the bedside unit were shown by long-term TAH experiments using animal models and by clinical application in conjunction with VAD. A TAH goat was safety taken on a 12 hr trip to a destination 550 km away while attached to a bedside unit. The driving and control functions of the wheelchair unit were found to be practically identical to those of the bedside unit.

Animals↗