Rotary Blood Pump
OwnerRichard K. Wampler, David M. Lancisiinventors
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Abstract
Various “contactless” bearing mechanisms including hydrodynamic, hydrostatic, and magnetic bearings are provided for a rotary pump as alternatives to mechanical contact bearings. These design features may be combined. In one embodiment, a pump housing has a spindle extending from a wall of the pump housing into a pumping chamber defined by the pump housing. The spindle has a stepped portion adjacent the wall. In one embodiment, the stepped portion is defined by a change in spindle diameter. The lack of mechanical contact bearings enables longer life pump operation and less damage to working fluids such as blood.
Claims11
A pump apparatus, comprising:
- a rotor comprising paddles located at a periphery of the rotor to generate hydrostatic thrust forces, the paddles distinct from any impeller blades.
A pump apparatus, comprising:
- a rotor having grooves located at a periphery of the rotor, the grooves establishing hydrostatic thrust forces during rotation of the rotor.
The apparatus of claim 18 further comprising a plurality of drive magnets disposed within a non-bladed portion of the rotor.
A pump apparatus comprising:
- a rotor having a grooved bore structured for generating hydrostatic thrust forces during rotation.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.