BACKGROUND In this study, we describe the potential advantages of a continuous-flow total artificial heart (CFTAH) comprising two small, non-pulsatile pumps with optimized responsiveness to the pressure gradient. METHODS We modified a MicroMed DeBakey axial-flow pump by increasing its inducer-impeller inlet angle, thereby increasing its pressure responsivity. We obtained the in vitro pressure...

Impedance pump is a simple valveless pumping mechanism, where an elastic tube is joined to a more rigid one; a periodic asymmetrical pinching on the elastic tube will produce a unidirectional flow. This pumping concept offers a low energy, low noise alternative at both micro and macro scales. This paper describes an experimental investigation of the performance of a two-stage, open loop impedan...

OBJECTIVE Assess the performance of self-expanding venous cannulas for routine use in open-heart surgery. METHODS Prospective study in 100 unselected consecutive patients undergoing open-heart surgery with either remote or central smart venous cannulation. RESULTS The study focuses on the 76 consecutive adult patients (mean age 59.2+/-17.3 years; 60 males, 16 females) undergoing surgical pr...

We present a design for a miniature self-priming peristaltic pump actuated with a single linear actuator, and which can be manufactured using conventional materials and methods. The pump is tolerant of bubbles and particles and can pump liquids, foams, and gases. We explore designs actuated by a motor (in depth) and a shape memory alloy (briefly); and briefly present a manually actuated version...

This research adopts the quasi three-dimensional hydraulic design method for the impeller of high specific speed mixed-flow pump to achieve the purpose of verifying the hydraulic design method and improving hydraulic performance. Based on the two families of stream surface theory, the direct problem is completed when the meridional flow field of impeller is obtained by employing iterative calcu...

The butterfly Pieirs rapae drinks liquid using a long proboscis. A high pressure gradient is induced in the proboscis when cibarial pump muscles contract. However, liquid feeding through the long proboscis poses a disadvantage of high flow resistance. Hence, butterflies may possess special features to compensate for this disadvantage and succeed in foraging. The main objective of this study is ...

BACKGROUND Cannula shape and connection style influence the risk of thrombus formation in the blood pump by varying the blood flow characteristics inside the pump. Inlet cannulas should be designed based on the need for anatomical fit and reducing the risk of thrombus generation in the blood pump. The effects on thrombus formation of the cone-shaped bend inlet cannulas of axial blood pumps shou...