An axial flow blood pump (Archimedes screw) for intraarterial left ventricular assist was evaluated in comparison to standard roller pump left heart bypass (LHBP) in 13 bovine experiments (bodyweight 74 +/- 15 kg). Full systemic heparinization (ACT greater than 500 s) was used for LHBP in comparison to limited systemic heparinization (ACT greater than 180 s) for axial. A standard battery of blood samples was taken before and at regular intervals throughout perfusion: (table; see text) Transarterial access and relatively limited blood trauma appear to be the main advantages of the evaluated axial flow blood pump. However, the impossibility to assess the pump flow may be a major problem for the management of the failing left ventricle.