CLEVELAND CLINIC ROTODYNAMIC PUMP

Background. It is now accepted that 70% to 80% of patients with end-st age heart failure would benefit from a permanent implanted left ventri cular assist device. Previously there was little consideration of the use of nonpulsatile pumps for this function. Methods. An extensive 5-y ear engineering research and development program to develop a permanen t implanted nonpulsatile blood pump has been undertaken. Results. We h ave developed a continuous-flow blood pump of small size (207 g) and l ow power requirement (6.5 watts) producing 5 L/min now with low hemoly sis. Conclusions. This pump has the potential to be the basis of an in novative ventricular assist system.