Abstract: With a driving system being separated by a diaphragm into two sections, a predetermined pressure is applied to the primary side of the diaphragm using air and helium gas or the like is used on the secondary side of the diaphragm, so that the pressure on the primary side of the diaphragm is transmitted to an artificial heart or the like connected to the secondary side thereof. Independently of a control system for maintaining the output from a pressure sensor to a predetermined value at all times, a solenoid valve for directly providing a higher pressure produced by a compressor or the like at the given drive timing is provided in a pressure regulating system, thereby causing a sharp rise in drive of the diaphragm. In an operation mode for automatically exhausting air from the secondary side of the diaphragm, the higher and lower pressures are alternately applied to the secondary side with the primary side being subject to the lower pressure, thus replacing air by another gas.

Abstract: The apparatus is intended to monitor operation of an artificial internal organ, such as an auxiliary heart, which is to be attached to the patient's body on the outer side. An optical fiber for image pick-up and another optical fiber for illumination are mounted to the artificial internal organ, and a video camera, light source for illumination, control switches, monitor television unit, etc. are disposed in a position remote from the artificial internal organ. For the purpose of enlarging the monitoring range and providing illumination of high efficiency, a mirror is mounted in the artificial internal organ. An optical axis of the optical fiber for image pick-up is arranged to be opposite or perpendicular to that of the optical fiber for illumination.

Abstract: Positive pressure and negative pressure are alternately applied to artificial hearts so as to drive the same. Each of driving systems includes a pressure sensor, and a solenoid valve connected between a pressure source and an accumulator is controlled in its opening and closing in order that the detected pressure is made coincident with a set value. A pair of solenoid valves connected respectively to an output port of the accumulator in a positive pressure system and an output port of the accumulator in a negative pressure system are opened and closed, thereby to supply positive pressure air and negative pressure air to the artificial hearts alternately. There is also included a backup driving system, and upon receiving instruction for system switching, lamps are energized in due sequence so as to inform the operator of valves to be operated manually.

Abstract: Positive pressure and negative pressure are alternately applied to artificial hearts so as to drive the same. Each of driving systems includes a pressure sensor, and a solenoid valve connected between a pressure source and an accumulator is controlled in its opening and closing in order that the detected pressure is made coincident with a set value. A pair of solenoid valves connected respectively to an output port of the accumulator in a positive pressure system and an output port of the accumulator in a negative pressure system are opened and closed, thereby to supply positive pressure air and negative pressure air to the artificial hearts alternately. There is also included a backup driving system, and upon receiving instruction for system switching, lamps are energized in due sequence so as to inform the operator of valves to be operated manually.