Abstract:
The present invention involves a blood pump having a pump housing with an internally disposed rotor that collectively provide a dual inflow capability which prevents thrombus formation and reduces hemolysis during use.
Abstract:
A system for pumping or mixing a fluid F using a levitating, rotating pumping or mixing element 812 and various other components for use in a pumping or mixing system are disclosed. The pumping or mixing element 812 is placed in a fluid-containing vessel 810 in close proximity to a superconducting element 818. A cooling source thermally linked to the superconducting element 818 provides the necessary cooling to induce levitation in the pumping or mixing element 812. The superconducting element 818 may be thermally isolated, such that the pumping or mixing element 812, the vessel 810, and any fluid F contained therein are not exposed to the cold temperatures required to produce the desired superconductive effects and the resulting levitation. By using means external to the vessel to rotate and/or stabilize the pumping or mixing element 812 levitating in the fluid F, including possibly rotating the superconducting elements 818 itself or moving it relative to the vessel 810, the desired effective pumping or mixing action may be provided.
Abstract:
A bloop pump system for use in CPB and other heart surgeries includes a magnetic cable drive (28) for remotely driving the blood pump. The magnetic cable drive is configured with magnetic couplings on each end (22, 24) such that the same motor (12) can be used to drive the pump (10) whether the pump is positioned directly on the motor or connected to the motor by the cable drive. This system allows the blood pump to be positioned within the sterile surgical field which advantageously reduces the priming volume of the pump.
Abstract:
A pump (10) for transferring fragile and aggressive liquids such as human blood and comprising a pumping chamber (12) along with a pair of fluid inlet ports (16, 17) arranged in oppositely disposed relationship on the chamber, and one or more outlet ports (18, 19) arranged transversely and medially of the inlet ports. A rotor (20) is positioned within the pumping chamber having a dual-conical configuration converging toward opposed polar end regions (21, 22) and with an axis of rotation extending between the polar regions. The rotor includes magnets (24) which are arranged at radially spaced locations and with a magnetic drive positioned to deliver rotational driving energy to the rotor. The sole support for the rotor (20) are the hydrodynamic forces acting upon the rotor during its operation, with the rotor body having a relative density of between 10 % and 90 % of the relative density of the fluid being pumped.
Abstract:
According to the method, the components (24a, 24b) of a stator (24) are slid onto a mandrel (60), said mandrel being inserted into an injection mould (50). The motor housing is produced by injecting polymeric material (63), the stator components (24a, 24b) being injected into said housing. A bearing (27) is contained in the injection mould (50) during the injection process. The mandrel (60) is then pulled out of the stator and a prepared rotor is inserted. This provides an economical and highly precise method for producing an electromotor with very small dimensions.
Abstract:
A fluid pump with a rotary impeller is disclosed which comprises an electromagnetically-driven, bearing-free, seal-free rotary impeller (16) levitated by localized opposed, magnetic forces and by fluid forces, or by localized opposed magnetic forces only. Levitation by localized opposed magnetic forces alone or by a combination of magnetic and fluid forces of an impeller driven by electromagnetic forces eliminates the need for bearings and seals in the driving mechanism. This avoids the heat build-up and leakage associated with other pumping mechanisms, which can be of importance in pumping of physiological fluids such as blood. The levitating forces of the present invention are applied both axially and radially with respect to the impeller. The magnetic forces are provided by a combination of diamagnets or solenoids (70, 70', 75, 75'), opposed by permanent magnets, solenoids or electromagnets (70, 70', 75, 75'). The invention should be of use in numerous medical and non-medical applications where the benefits of impeller levitation by localized forces are apparent.
Abstract:
A blood oxygenator/heat exchanger system (10) includes disposable and durable components, the latter being possible of permanent installation to further reduce costs, inconvenience and risks of use. The system may selectively include a blood pump (136) of axial, centrifugal, or ventricular type, along with an integral venous reservoir (206). By combination, arrangement and cooperation of structural features blood pumping volume is decreased, advantageous blood flow paths are achieved, blood damage is reduced, and durable components are reusable for lowest costs. The oxygenator/heat exchanger (58) nests upon a durable heat source base (24) to be supported thereby, while redundant boundaries are provided between blood and heat transfer media.
Abstract:
Apparatus and method for pumping blood and other delicate fluids. The apparatus includes a rotor (12) having an impeller (18) which includes an upper section (22) and a lower section (20) with oppositely disposed surfaces (26, 28), the upper section (22) having a central opening (24). Separating surfaces (30) disposed between the upper and lower sections (22, 20) define a plurality of fluid flow passages (32) between the oppositely disposed surfaces (26, 28). The separating surfaces (30) include a leading edge (45) and a trailing edge (47), the leading edge (45) being disposed at or near the central opening (24) and the trailing edge (47) being disposed at or near the peripheral edge (34) of the impeller (18). This construction maximizes the pressure differential of the fluid from the inlet to the outlet and minimizes turbulence such that the pump has good air entrapment capabilities as well as gentle blood handling characteristics.
Abstract:
Methods and apparatus for estimating flow rate in a blood circulation assist system employing impeller eccentricity. A method includes magnetically rotating an impeller within a blood flow channel of a blood pump. The impeller is levitated within the blood flow channel transverse to the impeller axis of rotation. A rotational speed for the impeller is determined. At least one impeller transverse position parameter is determined. The at least one impeller transverse position parameter is based on at least one of (1) an amount of a bearing current that is used to levitate the impeller transverse to the impeller axis of rotation, and (2) a position of the impeller within the blood flow channel transverse to the impeller axis of rotation. A flow rate of blood pumped by the blood pump is estimated based on the impeller rotational speed and the at least one impeller transverse position parameter.
Abstract:
Apparatus and methods are described including placing, into a subject's body, a blood-pump tube, with a blood pump disposed within the blood-pump tube. At least one blood-pressure-measurement tube, which defines an opening at a distal end thereof, extends to at least an outer surface of the blood-pump tube, such that the opening at the distal end of the blood-pressure-measurement tube is in direct fluid communication with a bloodstream of the subject outside the blood-pump tube. Blood is pumped through the blood-pump tube, using the blood pump. Pressure of the bloodstream of the subject outside the blood-pump tube is measured by measuring pressure of blood within the blood-pressure-measurement tube. Other applications are also described.