A cavalpulmonary assist device utilising impedance pumping enhanced by peristaltic effect

Area of Science:

• Biomedical Engineering
• Pediatric Cardiology
• Medical Device Development

Background:

• The Fontan procedure, a standard treatment for single ventricular defects, leads to long-term systemic complications due to inadequate pumping at the cavopulmonary junction.
• Current ventricular assist devices (VADs) are often unsuitable for pediatric use, causing high shear rates in blood.

Purpose of the Study:

• To demonstrate the feasibility of a novel, small, valveless, pulsatile rotary pump designed for cavopulmonary support.
• The pump integrates impedance and peristaltic effects for non-invasive blood handling.

Main Methods:

• A prototype pump was designed and fabricated in-house.
• In vitro testing evaluated the effects of pumping frequency, pressure differences, and pump size on performance.

Main Results:

• Net flow rate and pressure head delivery were linearly dependent on pumping frequency within physiological ranges.
• The pump effectively regulated flow against favorable and adverse pressure gradients.
• Performance was insensitive to device size.

Conclusions:

• The feasibility of the novel rotary pump for pediatric cavopulmonary support is demonstrated under physiological conditions.
• The device shows promise for future applications, with further investigation needed for miniaturization and hemolysis.
• This innovative pump offers a potential solution for children with single ventricular defects.