CONCEPT, REALIZATION, AND FIRST IN-VITRO TESTING OF AN INTRAARTERIAL MICROAXIAL BLOOD PUMP

Intravascular operating microaxial pumps have been clinically introduc ed (Hemopump 21; Hemopump 14) and have proven to be useful tools for c ardiac assist. Due to device-related complications that are associated with the drive concept of an extracorporeal motor and a flexible driv e shaft cable, a new pump concept is presented and has been refined in the development process. The cable is replaced by a proximally attach ed drive unit and an extracorporeal power supply. In addition to ongoi ng hydrodynamic studies of the flow inside the pump and improvements o f the overall hydraulic performance, a microelectric motor was realize d and integrated. In vitro tests revealed the feasibility of such a co ncept.