Completely Integrated Wearable TAH-drive Unit

Abstract

A pneumatic, wearable, batter-powered TAH-drive unit is presented. This drive-unit is characterized by a very good overall efficiency, achieved by design optimization on one hand and controlled economized membrane displacement on the other. The implemented control system facilitates an adoption to circulatory needs. The integrated micro-computer controls the whole pumping cycle and calculates the effective blood-side stroke volume by a beat to beat analysis of drive-side parameters. It could be demonstrated in animal tests (calves) under varying loads that the available driving power is sufficient to maintain an adequate circulatory supply for calves up to 135 kg. Further, it could be demonstrated that a sufficient right/left balance was obtained over the whole animal test duration.