Static and Dynamic Evaluation of an Axial Magnetically Levitated Motor for a Centrifugal Left Ventricular Assist...

Cardiovascular disease is the leading cause of death globally. Left ventricular assist devices (LVAD) are often utilized as a therapy for patients waiting for a heart transplant but are limited by various hemocompatibility issues. In this work, a novel axial magnetically levitated (MagLev) motor was proposed to enhance the hemocompatibility performance of LVADs. The design method along with the static and dynamic characteristics of the motor were assessed. The attractive forces between the rotor and the two stators were close to equal in the axial direction, and the upper permanent magnet (PM) showed sufficient stiffness to stabilize the rotor in the radial direction. The rotor showed excellent stability during static levitation at an airgap of 0.24 mm.Clinical Relevance- The SLICVAD a unique LVAD that is designed to improve hemocompatibility through coatings on the casing and rotor. SLICVAD also employs a state-of-the-art motor-MagLev system to conserve space and appeal to a broad range of patients.