In vitro performance of the Baylor/NASA axial flow pump.

A cooperative effort between Baylor College of Medicine and NASA/Johnson Space Center is under way to develop an implantable axial flow left ventricular assist device (LVAD). The pump is intended as an assist device for either pulmonary or systemic circulatory support for more than 3 months' duration. Currently, in vitro studies are under way to reduce the hemolysis generated by the axial flow pump. A system utilizing a testing matrix has been developed to analyze the effects of different pump parameters on hemolysis. The following parameters are being investigated: impeller blade tip geometry, impeller/flow tube clearance, impeller/stator clearance, number of impeller blades, number of stator blades, and length of the impeller. To date, an index of hemolysis of 0.038 g/100 L has been achieved. The test matrix is not complete, and further improvements are expected.