Long-Term Performance of a Pneumatically Actuated Soft Pump Manufactured by Rubber Compression Molding

We present a long-term performance study on a pneumatically actuated soft pump (SP). The pump was manufactured by adapting rubber compression technology. Important parameters influencing pump performance (e.g., inflation and deflation times and fluid outlet pressures) were studied. Based on design improvement and material selection, SP durability could be enhanced for over 1 million actuation cycles. This resulted in conveyance of more than 140,000 L of water in less than 12 days. In a next step, we analyzed our SP on a hybrid mock circulation and achieved 1.8 L/min against 10 kPa (75 mmHg). In situ analysis by color Doppler imaging further allowed real-time assessment of the SP's diaphragm motion. We then summarized our findings for future SP development with particular use as a heart replacement therapy. This work demonstrates a new manufacturing approach for future development of long-term stable SPs.