Mini hemoreliable axial flow LVAD with magnetic bearings: part 2: design description

This paper gives the preliminary configuration of the flow geometry used to eliminate bearing thrombus by forced pressure wash-out of the bearing gaps. This left ventricular assist device (LVAD) is physiologically controllable without extraneous sensors based on the measurement of pump differential pressure using the magnetic bearings. Knowing the LVAD differential pressure allows safe cyclic variation of impeller rpm with feedback around differential pressure, which obtains desired pressure pulsatility. Flow pulsatility is known to be of major benefit for minimizing thrombus in both the pump and arteries. It also results in improved perfusion of many organs. The ability of a conventional virtual zero power feedback loop to axially control the bearing in a long-term drift free manor is also explained.