PROCOAR, 30 years ago…

In December 1993, the clinical stage of the Research and Development Program PROCOAR (CONICET) was carried out: “Development of a Left Ventricular Assist Device with Endogenous Power Source (Stimulation of the Patient’s Latissimus Dorsi Muscle).” Director: Dr. Domingo Liotta, Institute of Cardiovascular Clinics, Buenos Aires (1993 – 1994).

Our group contributed to the development of the manufacturing protocol for medical-grade polyurethane pieces with a multilayer film structure using the solution immersion molding technique followed by demolding through the lost wax system. We also participated in the production of parts such as blood chambers, compensatory chambers, and vascular prostheses, as well as the assembly of different prototypes for both bench-scale testing and implantation in animals and humans during the evolution of the PROCOAR research program from the device design phase to the clinical research stage (Dr. T. Cuadrado, Lic. G.A. Abraham).

It was a unique and highly positive experience for the involved institutions.

The results were published in:

1) D. Liotta, C.B. Alvarez, and CONICET-PROCOAR Investigators (T.R. Cuadrado, G.A. Abraham et al.), “Chronic Heart Assist System,” in: Assisted Circulation IV, Felix Unger (Editor), Springer-Verlag, Berlin, Germany, 1995. p. 217 – 232. ISBN: 978-3540585473. 412 pages.

2) Sanchez. D., Nava L., Pinchete L., Cuadrado T.R., Pisarelo J., Alvarez C., Ponzone C., Godia J., Liotta J.D. “Direct linear-pull skeletal muscle powered for chronic implantable assist blood pump for end-stage heart failure,” in: Heart Surgery 1993, Luigi C. D’Alessandro Ed., Casa Editrice Scientifica Internazionale (C.E.S.I.), Associazione per la Ricerca in Cardiochirurgia (A.R.C.), Roma, Italia, 1993. p. 229 – 240.