Development of the Pulsation Device for Rotary Blood Pumps

Abstract

A rotary blood pump (RP) is desirable as a small ventricular assist device (VAD). However, an RP is nonpulsatile. We tried to develop a device that attaches a pulse to the RP. We also tried to develop a pulse-generating equipment that was not air-pressure driven. The ball screw motor was considered a candidate. The application of a small-sized shape memory alloy was also attempted. An electrohydraulic system was adopted, and actuator power was connected to the diaphragm. The diaphragm was placed on the outer side of the ventricle. Most RPs that have been developed all over the world drain blood from the ventricle. The wave of a pulse should be generated if a pulse is added by the drawn part. The output assistance from the outer side of the ventricle was attempted in animal experiments, and the device operated effectively. This device can be used during implantable operation of RP. This may serve as an effective device in patients experiencing problems in peripheral circulation and in the function of internal organs.

Effect of Rotary Blood Pump Pulsatility on Potential Parameters of Blood Compatibility and Thrombosis in Inflow Cannula Tips

“…Synchronous and counter-synchronous pulsing strategies have been widely studied for their effect on hemodynamics (9–16). However, concerns about blood trauma due to these strategies have also been raised.…”

“…Alternate control strategies may favor an unloading condition for the left ventricle that may aid the chance for myocardial recovery (8). In light of these concerns, a number of studies have been started to investigate the operation of RBPs in pulsatile mode (9–16). In vitro studies, including mock circulation tests and numerical simulations evaluating pulsatile strategies, have long been performed (9–11).…”

“…Effects of these pulsatile strategies on hemodynamics have also been investigated by in vivo studies (12–15). Yambe et al developed a pulse-generating device for RBPs to induce pulsatility of blood flow (16). However, this practice has generally been discouraged in clinics due to the significant increase in energy requirements to achieve pulsatility, and general concerns about the blood compatibility of VAD support under pulsatile mode have not yet been resolved.…”

Artificial Organs 2005: A Year in Review

“…Results show that the design of volutes for blood pumps should go beyond conventional empiric methods to obtain optimal results. Tomoyuki Yambe et al (14) of Tohoku University (Sendai, Japan) reported on their development of a device that provides a pulse to a rotary blood pump (RP). This device can be used during the implantation operation of RP, and this may serve as an effective device in patients experiencing problems in peripheral circulation and in the function of internal organs.…”