TUBULAR VACUUM-POWERED BLOOD-PUMPING DEVICE WITH ACTIVE VALVES

We propose a new vacuum-driven blood pump having a tubular shape with active valves. This design avoids any possible problems caused by memb rane breakage, thereby minimizing the risk of gas embolic events and s tagnation regions. By using active valves, it is possible to ensure be tter flow control and minimize pressure gradients inside and outside t he pump. The low cost of the pump's disposable parts enables it to be used for such applications as a ventricular assist device, a pulsatile pump device in extracorporeal circulation, a pump in hemodialysis and apheresis circuits, and a pump in extracorporeal membrane oxygenator systems.