Abstract
A circulatory assist pump, which can be used for around two weeks after an operation, is under development by AIST. The centrifugal impeller is supported with a magnetic suspension and a monopivot. The effect of the expansion of the back gap of the impeller was investigated with flow visualization in the present study. Since a sufficient wash by a secondary flow was found around the pivot, no thrombus will be expected and a longer durability of the pivot can also be expected for a monopivot pump. Regarding the outlet and the tongue, it was found that a model with a round tongue and a smoothly expanding outlet is more suitable to the blood pump.
