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Cardiac-ventricle prostheses designed for implantation in the chest that use a power source (e.g., a battery). These devices typically consist of a metallic (e.g., titanium) and plastic mechanism with a sealed chamber and a hydraulic pump (either pulsatile or continuous) that creates the force needed for blood circulation; they may also include valves that open and close to let the blood flow in and out through the circulatory system. These mechanisms are electrically connected to other implantable components, including a rechargeable battery that permits limited autonomous functioning of the prosthesis (e.g., 30 min), an electronic controller that monitors and controls the pumping speed, and an internal coil. Typically, the pumping mechanism is implanted in the chest; one end is attached either to the left or, less commonly, to the right ventricle, and the other end is attached to the aorta or pulmonary artery. The internal coil, an electronic control, and a battery are implanted in the abdomen. The internal battery is recharged by induction across--but without piercing--the skin (i.e., transcutaneously) using a magnetically coupled circuit between the implanted coil and an external coil (a system known as a transcutaneous energy transmission power system). The external coil usually takes the energy from a battery worn by the patient (e.g., attached to the waist). Transcutaneously powered cardiac-ventricle prostheses are intended for permanent assistance of the heart, although they may be used as a temporary bridge to transplantation.
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