[Recent advance in studies of new intraaortic axial flow pump: "dynamic aortic valve"]

We have previously proposed and demonstrated the feasibility of a new concept of intraaortic axial flow blood pump, termed "Dynamic Aortic Valve(DAV)". Implanted in the position of aortic valve, DAV can serve as either an assistant pump or a mechanical valve subjected to the power input. It has several merits over the traditional axial blood pumps: (1) better anatomic compatibility and biologic compatibility; (2) little foreign material is to be introduced into the corporeality; (3) better resistance to infection; (4) puncturing power line could be eliminated; (5) promoting the failing heart to recovery; (6) simpler structure and better durability. In our recent studies, the structure of DAV is further simplified and performance improved greatly. The structure of DAV is merely an impeller fixed to a magnetic rotor while held by a central shaft hanging from a rigid supporting cage. The rotor-impeller can be driven by an alternative magnetic field derived from a remote magnet, implying that the magnetic source can even be arranged extracorporeally. The DAV can be driven by a rotational magnet placed at a distance of 60 mm. At the state of maximal output of hydraulic power, the flow rate (FR) generated by DAV reaches 5 L/min against an afterload of 70 mmHg(1 mmHg = 0.133 KPa). The maximal pressure differential (PD) maintained by DAV is 131 mmHg. The results further revealed the feasibility of the concept of DAV.