Abstract
We have succeeded in developing a product of a circulatory support centrifugal pump which can be utilized to bridge within a period of four weeks before implanting an artificial heart for a long-term use. A monopivot bearing has been adopted, which was originally proposed for the first time in the world. In order to verify the validity of the apparatus design before animal tests, blood compatibility has been evaluated quantitatively and improved through flow visualization amid collaboration between a medical team of a university and an engineering team. Also, antithrombogenicity has been evaluated and improved through in vitro antithrombogenic testing proposed originally by us. Consequently, we have been able to evaluate the biocompatibility of the developed apparatus with a minimum number of animal tests. Not only has succeeded in developing a product with an original technology seed, but also has established and distributed engineering evaluation methods to other institutes for productization, and cooperated in the formulation of guidelines of medical equipments. These activities have contributed to related industries.
