Cleveland clinic rotodynamic pump

Background. It is now accepted that 70% to 80% of patients with end-stage heart failure would benefit from a permanent implanted left ventricular assist device. Previously there was little consideration of the use of nonpulsatile pumps for this function. Methods. An extensive 5-year engineering research and development program to develop a permanent implanted nonpulsatile blood pump has been undertaken. Results. We have developed a continuous-flow blood pump of small size (207 g) and low power requirement (6.5 watts) producing 5 L/min now with low hemolysis. Conclusions. This pump has the potential to be the basis of an innovative ventricular assist system.