A novel impeller TAH using magnetic bearings for load reduction

Area of Science:

• Biomedical Engineering
• Cardiovascular Devices
• Medical Technology

Background:

• Total artificial hearts (TAHs) are crucial for end-stage heart failure.
• Existing TAH designs face challenges in efficiency, complexity, and flow control.
• Development of advanced TAHs is essential to improve patient outcomes.

Purpose of the Study:

• To introduce a novel bi-ventricular assist impeller pump for a total artificial heart (TAH).
• To evaluate the hydrodynamic performance and efficiency of the new TAH design.
• To highlight the unique features of this TAH, including its single motor drive and automatic flow regulation.

Main Methods:

• Design and fabrication of a novel impeller-based TAH with integrated magnetic bearings for load reduction.
• Hydrodynamic testing to measure flow rate and pressure head for both left and right ventricular pumps.
• Efficiency assessment of the complete device, including motor, pumps, and controller.

Main Results:

• The TAH achieved a flow rate of 6 L/min for both pumps.
• The left pump generated a pressure head of 150 mm Hg, and the right pump produced 50 mm Hg.
• The device reached a maximum efficiency of 14.7% and demonstrated automatic volume equilibrium in pulsatile mode.

Conclusions:

• The developed impeller TAH is a unique, electrically powered device with a single motor and only one moving part.
• It can produce both pulsatile and non-pulsatile flow, with synchronous ejection in pulsatile mode.
• The device offers automatic volume equilibrium without external control, representing a significant advancement in TAH technology.