Axial-flow polymer bridge pump with hydrodynamic bearings

Area of Science:

• Biomedical Engineering
• Medical Devices
• Fluid Dynamics

Background:

• Development of portable and cost-effective medical devices is crucial for widespread healthcare access.
• Existing circulatory assist devices often face challenges with cost, longevity, and biocompatibility.
• The need for disposable, reliable pumps for temporary medical applications is increasing.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop and evaluate a novel portable axial-flow polymer bridge pump.
• To assess the pump's performance, including operational lifetime, hemolysis, and thrombogenicity.
• To determine the suitability of the pump for partial circulatory assist.

Main Methods:

• Design and fabrication of a polymer bridge pump utilizing hydrodynamic bearings.
• Testing of pump lifetime and operational characteristics, including noise levels.
• Evaluation of hemolysis at a flow rate of 2 L/min and rotational speeds up to 9000 rpm.
• Assessment of anti-thrombogenic properties through a 6-hour in vitro test.

Main Results:

• The developed pump is inexpensive, disposable, and weighs 185 g.
• Verified operational lifetime of 3 months with silent functioning.
• Clinical hemolysis limits were met at rotational speeds below 9000 rpm, generating 100 mmHg pressure.
• Stable operation for 6 hours without thrombus formation was confirmed.

Conclusions:

• The portable axial-flow polymer bridge pump is a viable, cost-effective solution for temporary circulatory assist.
• The pump demonstrates excellent biocompatibility and durability for its intended disposable application.
• Further clinical studies are warranted to validate its efficacy in patient care.