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Development of the Nimbus/University of Pittsburgh innovative ventricular assist system
K C Butler1, J J Dow, P Litwak
1Nimbus Inc, Rancho Cordova, California 95670, USA. kcbutler@pacbell.net
Background:
Nimbus Inc, and the University of Pittsburgh's McGowan Center for Artificial Organ Development have been collaborators on rotary blood pump technology initiatives since 1992. Currently, a major focus is an innovative ventricular assist system (IVAS) that features an implantable, electrically powered axial flow blood pump. In addition to the blood pump, a major development item is the electronic controller and the control algorithm for modulating pump speed in response to varying physical demand.
Methods:
Methods used in developing the IVAS include computational fluid dynamic modeling of the pump's interior flow field, flow visualization of the flow field using laser-based imaging, computer simulation of blood pump-physiological interactions, vibroaccoustic monitoring, and an extensive in vivo test program.
Results:
Results to date, which are presented below, include successful in vivo tests of blood pumps with blood-immersed bearings, and feasibility demonstration of vibroacoustic monitoring in this application.
Conclusions:
This unique blend of industrial experience and technologies with the University-based Research and Development Center has greatly enhanced the progress made on this IVAS project.
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