A Superconductive Electromagnetic Pump Without Any Mechanical Moving Parts

Abstract

Mechanical reliability is one of the main obstacles to long-term performance of an artificial heart. To solve this problem a superconductive electromagnetic pump was developed. Two concentric cone-shaped cylinders serve as the pump housings and electrodes. As a current passes through the blood between the inner and outer housings, the blood rotates under the action of a superconductive magnetic field. Therefore, this is a rotary pump without a rotor or any mechanical moving parts. The device was tested in a super-conductive magnetic field with 7 Tesla. By 5 V, and 1 A, a 0.9% saline flow of approximately 1 L/min, and 10 mm H2O was obtained. For further development, a stronger magnetic field with ca. 20 Tesla is desirable. Contrary to traditional thought, blood and saline have almost the same conductibility as any other conductors. For blood damage testing, fresh porcine blood was used. The circulation was maintained by an impeller pump, with the electromagnetic pump serving only as electrodes. Comparing the first and second periods of testing with and without a current of 1 A, the difference in hematologic variations evaluated the blood damage by the electric current passing directly through the blood. Results indicated that the electric current causes no serious blood damage.