The activities of the Section of Artificial Organs center largely around the development of electrically powered long-term mechanical left ventricular assist devices and artificial hearts. Emphasis is placed on interdisciplinary participation in research activities by members of the College of Medicine, the College of Engineering, and the Bioengineering Program. Penn State has developed a pneumatically powered left ventricular assist device that is now a commercial product, and has been utilized in over 1,000 patients. Penn State has also developed a pneumatically powered artificial heart that has been utilized in four patients at Penn State's University Hospital, The Milton S. Hershey Medical Center. The major focus is now directed on permanent completely implantable systems. Both bench research and animal implantation studies are being performed with cardiac assist and total artificial heart devices. These devices are powered by compact brushless DC electric motors. The system uses transcutaneous energy transmission and state-of-the-art electronics. The left ventricular assist device is in the final stages of commercialization, while the total artificial heart is beginning a two year test period for qualification with the Food and Drug Administration. Major research efforts are focused on improvement and miniaturization of these devices. Opportunities are available for one and two year research fellowships for residents in General and Cardiothoracic Surgery and engineers seeking Master's and Ph.D. degrees. Research opportunities are also provided for medical students. Research is funded through the National Institutes of Health, through industrial funding, and through foundation and private support. Research activities are conducted at facilities in the Section of Artificial Organs in the Department of Surgery, College of Medicine.