The authors report on their experiences gained by animal experiments (calf) and their attempts (human corpses) concerning adaptation of the apparatus to the human thorax. At the present time they do not see a chance for its routine clinical use. The main reason why is the impossibility to install the extrathoracic driving system into the thoracic cage and last not least the wear of the material used for the heart chambers.

A totally artificial heart--the Rostock totally artificial heart (Rostock TAH) was implanted in calves. We can give the following deductions after 27 examinations: -- The Rostock TAH was tested successfully in endurance test about 7 months; it show no sign of wear. -- The surgical technique of the implantation was standardised and a successful experimentation is possible. -- The longest survival time was 15 days. The hemodynamic early results were very good in 3 other animals. -- Modifications of the Rostock TAH were taken up relating to the dimensions of the artificial ventriculi and by mounting a screw cap for avoiding an air embolism. -- Adaption tests in the corpse show that the present form of the artificial heart is not ideal for a possible application in man. -- The problem is still existing in developing a suitable drive system locates intrathoracically. The present drive and control system on a pneumatic base is qualified only for the animal experiment but not for a possible application in man.