Miniaturization of oscillating disk-type centrifugal pumps toward their intracorporeal implantation

We have developed small size and right weight oscillating disk-type centrifugal pumps for an left ventricular assist device and an artificial heart toward intracorporeal implantation. Oscillation angle of the disk in these pumps is 15 degree. The diameter of the disk is 54 mm, the maximum inner diameter of the pump housing is 60 mm and its maximum outer diameter is 64 mm. Total weight and length of the pump for LVAD are 380 g and 60 mm respectively. Total weight and length of the pump for BVAD or AH were 420 g and 90 mm respectively. The output flow rate of 5 L/min was obtained by the LVAD pump under rotational speed of 3050 rpm at 120 mmHg mean aortic pressure. Energy conversion efficiency at the specified point was 5.3%. Index of hemolysis of the pump driven under the same condition was 0.0061.