Abstract: A mock circulation system is provided including a collapsible housing having a plurality of channels formed therein so as to represent the arteries, veins and organs of a human circulatory system. A pair of artificial ventricles are connected to the housing and pump fluid through the housing so as to develop circulation within the housing. By using a plurality of flow-restricting devices, and by modifying the pumping of the artificial ventricles, a variety of circulatory conditions (both healthy and pathogenic) can be simulated within the system. In accordance with the principles of the invention, cardiac massage may be demonstrated by manually squeezing the artificial ventricles. In accordance with another principle of the invention, Starling's Law Curves may be generated to show that cardiac output is determined by venous pressure.

Abstract: A method for providing ventricular assist to a patient with a weak or nonfunctional heart includes attaching an artificial ventricle to a patient and pumping said artificial ventricle with a muscle powered hydraulic pump. This method is enhanced by supplementing said artificial ventricle as needed with a pneumatic pumping system which is hermetically sealed from the hydraulic fluid. The hydraulic pumping power is amplified by driving a first pumping member of larger dimension against a second pumping member of smaller dimension to thereby supply increased force to overcome existing blood pressure.

Abstract: A total artificial heart for placement inside a living body comprising right and left ventricle enclosures, wherein each ventricle includes an exterior wall formed of (i) contacting wall structure and (ii) noncontacting wall structure which collectively enclose an interior volume comprised of a blood chamber and a pumping chamber. The contacting wall structure of each ventricle enclosure is configured for intercontacting relationship wherein the contacting walls of the respective ventricles form a septum which structurally separates the interior volume of the right ventricle from the interior volume of the left ventricle. The noncontacting wall structure comprises the remaining exterior wall of each ventricle enclosure. A fluid drive motor capable of reversible flow is positioned within and circumscribed by the septum and includes a flow channel therethrough which communicates between the respective pumping chambers of the right and left ventricle enclosures.