Abstract
This paper summarizes the development of Gold Medical’s adult-size axial flow LVAD. The full magnetic suspension of Magnevad I required active control. This was replaced in 2004 with what is probably the first totally passive non-contacting axial pump suspension. Magnevad II used a single hydrodynamic bearing surrounding the rotor and permanent - magnet repulsion thrust bearings. Inherent measurement of pump differential pressure was maintained for feedback control of systolic and diastolic pressures. Magnevad III employed two small diameter hydrodynamic bearings. These 4th generation pumps provide highly pulsatile flow & physiologic control. The absence of thrombus, wear and minimal electronics gives highest attainable reliability for worry-free use by patients. Magnevad III pumps were implanted in 3 sheep March 2005. The device and animal organs remained grossly free of thrombus & infarcts for the implant durations up to 1 day. Power consumption was typically 9–10w. Magnevad IV is designed for human use with power reduced to a minimal 4.5w; being among the lowest power requirements of any adult LVAD whether axial or centrifugal. This is realized by operating at a lower speed of nominally 3,500 rpm instead of 10,000. This should reduce rotor vibration to a level “undetectable by the patient”.
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