Cadaver Fitting Test of Mechanical Circulatory Assist Device Including Korean Artificial Heart (AnyHeart) in Korea / 대한해부학회지

ABSTRACT

Preclinical cadaver fitting study is paramount in the development of various implantable medical devices. It helps to evaluate the fitness of the size, shape, structure of the devices in the human anatomy, to locate the most optimal site for implantation, and to develope the clinically available surgical techniques. The purpose of this study was to observe the anatomical feasibility of Korean artificial heart (AnyHeart) in 12 human cadavers after obtaining the permission from the Korea University Anatomical Research Committee. The observation was focused on proper position of the artificial heart in various thoracic incisions (median sternotomy, right thoracotomy, left thoracotomy, transsternal incision), localization of inflow as well and outflow tract, cannulation sites, and so on. Results showed that Korean artificial heart had excellent anatomical feasibility in the human body and that a novel surgical technique of right thoracotomy approach was proved to be clinically applicable. Conclusively, the above results will provide the rationales of clinical trial and demonstrate the significance of human cadaver study in development of implantable medical devices.