抄録
Rotary blood pumps consisting of hydrodynamic bearings have been developed to realize a long-term mechanical circulatory/respiratory support system. An axial flow pump was developed for an implantable left ventricular assist device, designed to work for at least five years without maintenance. An extracorporeal centrifugal pump was developed for cardiopulmonary support system, designed to work for as long as one month. Both systems demonstrated sufficient hydrodynamic performances and biocompatibility in the chronic animal experiments. The mechanical destruction of blood cells due to high rotation of the impellers were within an acceptable range.
