A novel intraaortic axial flow pump: dynamic aortic valve

A novel intraaortic axial flow blood pump termed dynamic aortic valve (DAV) was developed as a left ventricular assist device. Implanted at the aortic valve position, it could serve as either a blood pump or a mechanical valve depending on the power input. It has several advantages over traditional axial blood pumps: better anatomic fit and biocompatibility; minimal introduction of foreign materials into the body; stronger resistance to infection; elimination of transcutaneous lines; promotion of the recovery of the failing heart, simpler structure and longer durability. A prototype of DAV was fabricated and tested in a mock circulatory loop. At the maximal output of hydraulic power, the flow rate reached 5 lymin against an afterload of 6.65 kPa. The maximal pressure difference generated by DAV at a rotation rate of 12000 r/min was 10.64 kPa. The results are encouraging for further investigation on this device.