The Cleveland Clinic rotodynamic pump program

The Cleveland Clinic Foundation has developed a unique rotodynamic blood pump for future use as a permanent implant. This pump is small (2.5 x 2.5 inches) and requires an electric input power of 7 watts to produce 5 L/min of blood flow against 100 mm Hg at 3,000 rpm. Initial in vivo testing has confirmed in vitro function and shown low hemolysis. Endurance bench testing has exceeded 12 months of continuous function. This pump is the basis of an innovative ventricular assist system in which power is supplied by a tranocutaneous electrical transmission system, and pacer technology is used for both control logic and telemetry functions. The resulting system will be completed and tested under an NHLBI contract during the next 5 years.