The ultimate objective for this program is to develop a hybrid active and passive magnetic bearing based, rotodynamic, continuous flow implantable ventricular assist device. Development and integration of the MiTi hybrid active/passive magnetic bearing with a motor driven Impeller will result in a compact, low power consumption, highly reliable continuous flow blood pump. Key elements of the proposed program include 1) a detailed integrated blood pump and hybrid bearing design; 2) component bearing testing to validate the bearing design; 3) fabrication of up to three prototype pumps; 4) in-vitro testing of the fabricated pump; and 5) preliminary in-vivo studies. In-vitro testing will validate pump and bearing performance, verify that washing flows limit deposition, and verify the lack of hemolysis damage to blood circulated through the pump. In-vivo testing is planned to demonstrate freedom from deposition-related difficulties with the rotodynamic pump. Key features of the blood pump include only one actively controlled magnetic bearing axis for reliability and simplicity; elimination of conventional displacement sensors through the use of self sensing technology to further enhance reliability; large clearance passages surrounding the pump motor and bearing yielding low blood shear stresses (well below the hemolysis damage threshold) and promoting good forward washing flows.
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