Hybrid Continuous-Flow Total Artificial Heart

Area of Science:

• Biomedical Engineering
• Cardiovascular Science
• Medical Devices

Background:

• Total artificial hearts (TAHs) improve quality of life for pediatric and adult heart failure patients.
• Existing TAHs face limitations such as thromboembolic events, infection risk, and restricted ambulation.
• There is a need for advanced TAH designs addressing these clinical challenges.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop a novel hybrid-design, magnetically-levitated TAH for pediatric and adult heart failure.
• To overcome design limitations of current TAHs, including size, infection risk, and patient mobility.
• To create a more compact, nonthrombogenic, and effective therapeutic alternative.

Main Methods:

• Developed a hybrid-design, continuous-flow, magnetically-levitated TAH with two moving parts (axial and centrifugal impellers).
• Utilized magnetic bearing technology and established initial geometries using pump design equations.
• Employed computational modeling for performance insights, followed by prototype manufacturing and hydraulic testing.

Main Results:

• The TAH prototype successfully delivered target blood flow rates of 1-6.5 L/min.
• Achieved pressure rises of 1-92 mm Hg (pulmonary) and 24-150 mm Hg (systemic) at 1500-10,000 rpm.
• Initial design demonstrated capability to meet critical hemodynamic parameters.

Conclusions:

• The developed TAH design is a promising foundation for a novel therapeutic alternative.
• This device has the potential to be more compact, nonthrombogenic, and effective for heart failure patients.
• Further development aims to provide improved ambulation and reduced complication risks for infants, children, adolescents, and adults.