Real-time studies of the pivot bearings in the NEDO gyro PI-710 centrifugal blood pump

The NEDO Gyro PI-710 centrifugal pump (Gyro PI-710 pump) incorporates a double pivot bearing system of which the male pivot and female bearings are fabricated from Al2O3 ceramic and ultrahigh molecular weight polyethylene. The top female bearing is a critical component because the impeller is levitated by hydraulic force and is maintained in the top contact position. A long-term in vitro examination of the pivot bearings was conducted using a biventricular assist model. In 7 animal experiments, the depth change of the top female bearing was examined. Animal experiments up to 90 days revealed that there was no noticeable depth increase in the top female bearing. According to the in vitro study, the life of the pivot bearings of the left and right pump was estimated to be approximately 3 and 7 years, respectively. Further improvement of this pivot bearing system is currently underway.