Plutonium-238

Abstract

Ventricular assist devices emerged as a widely used modality for treatment of end-stage heart failure; however, despite significant advances, external energy supply remains a problem contributing to significant patient morbidity and potential mortality. One potential solution is using the nuclear radioisotope Plutonium-238 as a power source. Given its very high energy density and long half-life, Plutonium-238 could eventually allow a totally intracorporeal ventricular assist system that lasts for the patient's lifetime. Risks, such as leakage and theft identified decades ago, still remain. However, it is possible that newer technologies could be used to overcome the system complexity and unreliability of the previous generations of nuclear-powered mechanical assist systems. Were it not for the remaining safety risks, Plutonium-238 would be an ideal energy source for this purpose.

Intracorporeal Heat Distribution from Fully Implantable Energy Sources for Mechanical Circulatory Support: A Computational Proof-of-Concept Study

“…Nuclear energy sources are particularly suitable for this task as they can last years and are sufficiently compact to fit inside the human body. In particular, the thermal energy generated by α -emitting materials can be harnessed to generate electricity for powering a heart support device (Huffman et al, 1974 ; Poirier, 2012 ; Tchantchaleishvili et al, 2012 ). To make this approach feasible, the associated waste heat must be locally contained, intracorporeally distributed, and extracorporeally dissipated to the environment.…”

“…During the past decades significant effort has been devoted to the development of a fully implantable energy source able to provide long-term power for TAHs and LVADs. In particular, the use of radioisotopes has received considerable attention (Huffman et al, 1974 ; Whalen et al, 1974 ; Poirier, 2012 ; Tchantchaleishvili et al, 2012 ). Reinforced capsules of α -emitting materials, such as plutonium 238 ( 238 Pu), can in principle be employed as fully implantable thermal energy sources (Huffman et al, 1974 ; Tchantchaleishvili et al, 2012 ).…”

“…In particular, the use of radioisotopes has received considerable attention (Huffman et al, 1974 ; Whalen et al, 1974 ; Poirier, 2012 ; Tchantchaleishvili et al, 2012 ). Reinforced capsules of α -emitting materials, such as plutonium 238 ( 238 Pu), can in principle be employed as fully implantable thermal energy sources (Huffman et al, 1974 ; Tchantchaleishvili et al, 2012 ). The heat generated by the nuclear decay can then be either directly converted into electricity or being used to drive a vapor cycle.…”

On the path to permanent artificial heart technology: Greater energy independence is paramount

“…Aside from radioisotopes with long half-life and high power density, such as Plutonium 238, 18 there is currently no energy source that offers sufficient energy density for implantability without the need for its eventual replacement. 19 Initial LVADs were powered by lead acid and nickel-cadmium battery cells with short operating times that were reduced further by the pulsatile discharge loads required by early VD-pumps. 20 Larger, longer lasting nickelmetal hydride batteries powered the HeartMate XVE LVAD (Abbott Inc, Chicago, IL, USA) and Novacor LVAD (formerly World Heart Inc, Oakland, CA, USA).…”

Cardiac Assist Devices: Early Concepts, Current Technologies, and Future Innovations

“…The potential was in the nuclear radioisotope Plutonium that offered the highest possible energy density and long half-life without requiring any energy storage. However, the critical problems of heat dissipation and safety concerns regarding nuclear element leakage eventually led to termination of the project [86,87].…”