Abstract
In order to improve several disadvantage of a centrifugal pump, we have developed a new principle of rotary blood pumps. This Magnetic Rotary Pump (MRP) consists of a brushless DC motor system and a unique shaped pump housing. Basic pump housing is shaped a rounding cylinder, and a magnetized ball roller is set into this cylinder. The radius of a prototype MRP is 2.0cm, and the height is 1.2cm. Driving system, a disc on which permanent magnet is fasten is joined to brushless DC motor, is attached to the basal plain of pump housing. This roller is moved round in the cylinder by magnetically, and blood is continuously pushed out. By this prototype MRP, pump output is gained about 1.0 l/min against 30 mmHg afterload under rotational speed of 300 rpm. The advantages of the MRP are as follows; 1) Rotation shaft and impeller do not exist. 2) The structure of MRP is very simple. 3) Easy blood sealing is achieved by another centrifugal pump. 4) Hemolysis may be lower because of a shaftless and an impellerless configuration. 5) Optimization in size of MRP may be useful as the pump for human use.
