Recent progress on the vibrating flow pump as a totally implantable ventricular assist device

Area of Science:

• Biomedical Engineering
• Cardiovascular Devices
• Artificial Organs

Background:

• Development of smaller, lighter ventricular assist systems is crucial for patient populations like Asians.
• Current ventricular assist devices face challenges in size and weight for total implantation.
• Miniaturization of actuators is key for developing compact artificial hearts.

Purpose of the Study:

• To advance the development of a totally implantable vibrating flow pump (VFP) ventricular assist system.
• To achieve a smaller and lighter VFP system suitable for Asian patients by increasing drive frequency.
• To evaluate the physiological effects of VFP-assisted blood flow on circulation and autonomic function.

Main Methods:

• Utilized a cross slider form actuator for miniaturization, succeeding over linear and step motors.
• Designed blood-contacting parts, including a central vibration tube and round diaphragms, to prevent thrombus formation.
• Developed an energy transmission system for total implantation and analyzed autonomic nerve function using spectral analysis.

Main Results:

• Achieved significant miniaturization of the VFP system compared to previous actuator designs.
• Observed increased brain blood flow at frequencies of 25 to 30 Hz, without altering total circulatory flow.
• Detected observable influences on autonomic nerve function during VFP left heart assistance.

Conclusions:

• The vibrating flow pump (VFP) ventricular assist system shows progress towards a smaller, lighter, totally implantable device.
• The unique high-frequency oscillated blood flow pattern generated by the VFP impacts cerebral circulation and autonomic nervous system.
• Further research and development are ongoing with the goal of clinical application for VFP technology.