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1973

Pierce-Donachy Ventricular Assist Device
Society: ASMEMain Category: MechanicalSub Category: Biomedical EngineeringEra: 1970-1979DateCreated: 1973Milton S. Hershey Medical CenterHersjeyState: PAZip: 17033Country: USAWebsite: https://www.asme.org/about-asme/who-we-are/engineering-history/landmarks/142-pierce-donachy-ventricular-assist-deviceCreator: Pierce, William, Donachy, James

This is the first extremely smooth, surgically implantable, seam-free pulsatile blood pump to receive widespread clinical use. In its use in more than 250 patients, it has been responsible for saving numerous lives. When used as a bridge to transplant, the pump has a success rate greater than 90 percent. There has never been a device-failure-related fatality of any of these patients. A successful heart-assist pump could save an estimated fifteen thousand individuals annually.

YearAdded:
1990
Image Credit: Courtesy Wikipedia/Madhero88 (CC BY-SA 3.0)Image Caption: Pierce-Donachy Ventricular Assist DeviceEra_date_from: 1973
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Innovations

Pierce-Donachy Ventricular Assist Device

This is the first extremely smooth, surgically implantable, seam-free pulsatile blood pump to receive widespread clinical use. In its use in more than 250 patients, it has been responsible for saving numerous lives. When used as a bridge to transplant, the pump has a success rate greater than 90…

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