Development and Evaluation of Antithrombogenic Centrifugal Pump: The Baylor C–Gyro Pump Eccentric Inlet Port Model

Abstract

The Baylor C-Gyro Pump Eccentric Inlet Port Models (C1E) have been developed aiming for a long-term centrifugal ventricular assist device (VAD) as well as a cardiopulmonary bypass pump. The eccentric inlet port models are characterized by their unique inlet port and secondary impeller vanes. An inlet female pivot bearing, which was fixed to a supporting bar in the prototype model, is directly embedded into the ceiling of the pump casing. An inlet port is then placed off-center to avoid the bearing area, and it is angled between 0 to 90 degrees from the upright position. In addition, small secondary vanes were incorporated into the impeller bottom to accelerate the washout flow behind the impeller. These features attained design objectives proposed for higher antithrombogenicity: a seal-less pump chamber, no stationary parts in the blood path, and acceleration of the secondary flow behind the impeller. The first in vivo experiment using C1E pumps showed excellent antithrombogenicity for up to 18 days when the experiment ceased due to severe infection in the calf.