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Cardiac-ventricle prostheses that include an implantable pumping mechanism with a percutaneous connection to an external power source (either electrical or pneumatic) that supplies the driving power. These devices typically consist of an implantable pump that works as an artificial ventricle by pushing the blood from the inlet valve to the outlet valve and then through the circulatory system and an electrical or pneumatic external power system that is connected to the implanted pump through electrical wires or pneumatic drive lines that enter the left part of the patient\'s chest. Both pulsatile-flow and continuous-flow pump systems are available. Percutaneously powered heart prostheses include a battery and/or a pneumatic console that is permanently attached to the patient for power supply and control of the pumping rate and pressure of the implanted prosthesis. These prostheses are used mainly as a temporary bridge to transplantation, but some battery powered units may be capable of long-term use.
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