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Blood enters the Novacor® LVAS pump through an inflow conduit connected to the recipient's left ventricle. The low resistance of the passively filling pump presents a reduced load to the left ventricle, allowing the diseased heart to pump a normal stroke volume. The pump ejects blood through an outflow conduit into the arterial system, thereby supporting the systemic circulation. The system is completely self-regulating, automatically adjusting its beat rate and stroke volume in response to the recipient's changing circulatory requirements.

Power and Control

The external Controller is connected to the implanted pump by a percutaneous lead - a small tube that brings control and power wires through the recipient's skin. The Controller regulates pumping action of the LVAS, and monitors system function. During normal, untethered operation, the Controller receives power from two rechargeable power packs. The Controller and Power Packs may be worn on a belt or carried in a shoulder bag, vest or back pack. The portable nature of the Novacor® LVAS facilitates out-of-hospital use and allows recipients to return home and lead near-normal lifestyles.

When the recipient is sleeping, the bedside Personal Monitor supplies power to the Controller. The Personal Monitor also monitors device function, providing a loud alarm and instructions in case of a detected fault. A Standby Power Source supplies power to the Personal Monitor in case of an AC power outage.