Butler K C, Dow J J, Litwak P, Kormos R L, Borovetz H S
Nimbus Inc, Rancho Cordova, California 95670, USA.
Ann Thorac Surg. 1999 Aug;68(2):790-4. doi: 10.1016/s0003-4975(99)00582-2.
Nimbus Inc, and the University of Pittsburgh's McGowan Center for Artificial Organ Development have been collaborators on rotary blood pump technology initiatives since 1992. Currently, a major focus is an innovative ventricular assist system (IVAS) that features an implantable, electrically powered axial flow blood pump. In addition to the blood pump, a major development item is the electronic controller and the control algorithm for modulating pump speed in response to varying physical demand.
Methods used in developing the IVAS include computational fluid dynamic modeling of the pump's interior flow field, flow visualization of the flow field using laser-based imaging, computer simulation of blood pump-physiological interactions, vibroaccoustic monitoring, and an extensive in vivo test program.
Results to date, which are presented below, include successful in vivo tests of blood pumps with blood-immersed bearings, and feasibility demonstration of vibroacoustic monitoring in this application.
This unique blend of industrial experience and technologies with the University-based Research and Development Center has greatly enhanced the progress made on this IVAS project.
自1992年以来，Nimbus公司与匹兹堡大学的麦高恩人工器官开发中心一直是旋转血泵技术项目的合作伙伴。目前，一个主要重点是一种创新的心室辅助系统（IVAS），其特点是植入式电动轴流血泵。除血泵外，一个主要的开发项目是电子控制器以及用于根据不同身体需求调节泵速的控制算法。
开发IVAS所使用的方法包括对泵内部流场进行计算流体动力学建模、使用基于激光的成像对流场进行流动可视化、对血泵与生理相互作用进行计算机模拟、振动声学监测以及广泛的体内测试程序。
以下展示的是迄今为止的结果，包括对带有血浸式轴承的血泵进行的成功体内测试，以及在该应用中振动声学监测的可行性论证。
这种将工业经验和技术与大学研发中心独特结合的方式极大地推动了该IVAS项目的进展。
