Using magnostrictive metal as a pump for biomedical application

A new theory of pumping fluids, including blood, has been developed using magnetostrictive technology. This new pump uses the magnetostrictive material known as Terfenol-DTM. A magnetic field is imposed on the Terfenol in periodic pulses causing it to expand and then relax to its original state. The expansion and relaxation of the terfenol cause a smooth, continuous flow of fluid. This pump is currently being built and will be tested as a left ventricular assist device, totally implantable artificial heart, or both.