Baylor Gyro Pump: a completely seal-less centrifugal pump aiming for long-term circulatory support.
A seal-less centrifugal pump aiming for long-term circulatory support has been developed. In this model, shaft seals that cause thrombus formation and blood leakage were eliminated. A brushless direct current motor was incorporated as a driving unit, and pivot bearings were used to support the impeller. With reference to its motor-driven system, this pump was named the M-Gyro Pump. The first model (M1) yielded an index of hemolysis of 0.005 g/100 L using bovine blood and demonstrated satisfactory performance as a right heart assist for 2 days (4 L/min, 60 mm Hg, 1,800 rpm). The second model (M2) has been developed for left heart assist by employing a stronger motor. The pump capacity was improved to 6 L/min against 240 mm Hg at 1,800 rpm, but significant heat generation was observed. By optimization of motor efficiency, the M2 model can be improved to meet the requirements of a pump for left heart assist.
Ohara
Y
Y
Department of Surgery, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030.
Sakuma
I
I
Makinouchi
K
K
Damm
G
G
Glueck
J
J
Mizuguchi
K
K
Naito
K
K
Tasai
K
K
Orime
Y
Y
Takatani
S
S
D000818:Animals; D001769:Blood; D002417:Cattle; D004867:Equipment Design; D005260:Female; D006353:Heart-Assist Devices; D006461:Hemolysis; D006801:Humans; D008955:Models, Cardiovascular; D008961:Models, Structural; D013997:Time Factors