Development of Inspired Therapeutics Pediatric VAD: Benchtop Evaluation of Impeller Performance and Torques for...

Despite the availability of first-generation extracorporeal mechanical circulatory support (MCS) systems that are widely used throughout the world, there is a need for the next generation of smaller, more portable devices (designed without cables and a minimal number of connectors) that can be used in all in-hospital and transport settings to support patients in heart failure. Moreover, a system that can be universally used for all indications for use including cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB), uni- or biventricular support (VAD), extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) and respiratory assist that is suitable for use for adult, neonate, and pediatric patients is desirable. Providing a single, well designed, universal technology could reduce the incidence of human errors by limiting the need for training of hospital staff on a single system for a variety of indications throughout the hospital rather than having to train on multiple complex systems. The objective of this manuscript is to describe preliminary research to develop the first prototype pump for use as a ventricular assist device for pediatric patients with the Inspired Universal MCS technology. The Inspired VAD Universal System is an innovative extracorporeal blood pumping system utilizing novel MagLev technology in a single portable integrated motor/controller unit which can power a variety of different disposable pump modules intended for neonate, pediatric, and adult ventricular and respiratory assistance.

A prototype of the Inspired Pediatric VAD was constructed to determine the hemodynamic requirements for pediatric applications. The magnitude/range of hydraulic torque of the internal impeller was quantified. The hydrodynamic performance of the prototype pump was benchmarked using a static mock flow loop model containing a heated blood analogue solution to test the pump over a range of rotational speeds (500-6000 RPM), flow rates (0-3.5 L/min), and pressures (0 to ~ 420 mmHg). The device was initially powered by a shaft-driven DC motor in lieu of a full MagLev design, which was also used to calculate the fluid torque acting on the impeller.

The pediatric VAD produced flows as high as 4.27 L/min against a pressure of 127 mmHg at 6000 RPM and the generated pressure and flow values fell within the desired design specifications.

The empirically determined performance and torque values establish the requirements for the magnetically levitated motor design to be used in the Inspired Universal MagLev System. This next step in our research and development is to fabricate a fully integrated and functional magnetically levitated pump, motor and controller system that meets the product requirement specifications and achieves a state of readiness for acute ovine animal studies to verify safety and performance of the system.