What type of pump system powered Liotta's first completely self-contained artificial heart?
Answer
Pneumatic pump system
Liotta's initial mechanical apparatus for the total artificial heart was based on a pneumatic pump system. This means the device operated using air pressure to drive the pumping mechanism, which was a common engineering approach for large mechanical devices during that era. This fundamental design contrasted significantly with the electric, battery-powered Ventricular Assist Devices (VADs) that became common later on. The reliance on external power and control systems for this pneumatic mechanism highlights a key engineering difference between Liotta's foundational proof of concept and contemporary miniaturized devices, although it successfully proved the viability of replacing full heart function mechanically.
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