Pump Design and Mechanics

Abstract

Ventricular assist devices have undergone many design changes since the first pump was created. Pump design adjustments have been made from pulsatile volume displacement therapy to continuous flow axial delivery and most recently centrifugal flow. Initially, VAD patients were confined to the acute inpatient hospital setting without the ability to return to home; however, with improved mechanics and design adjustments, VAD therapy was broadened to free the patient back to home and live a normal lifestyle. This required the advent of new technology and new approaches to blood flow delivery and pump style. To achieve this goal, peripheral device components also needed to adapt over the years to afford patients the freedom of AC electricity and increase portability. As technological advances began, so did the ability to increase monitoring of the patient thru pump controllers and thus earlier detection of device complications. This chapter will review the various historical approaches to VAD therapy, the mechanisms in which blood flow pumps impact the body and discuss the current therapies available to patients.