Abstract
An important aspect to the success of a left ventricular assist device is that it exist in a form which is convenient for patient usage. A compact unit which can easily be carried during normal activities is essential when considering long term assist. The current research reduced the Texas A&M University-Multiple Disk Pump to a convenient size and shape by mounting the motor that powers the pump directly onto the pump housing. The motor profile is very slim as it's length is only one inch while it's diameter is 4.72 inches. Experimentation proved the unit capable of providing 5 L/min of flow at 100 mmHg outlet pressure, which accurately represents normal, resting physiological conditions, The efficiency of the new design is only half that of the previous design due to the necessity of increasing the shaft diameter and a subsequent increase in frictional resistance to shaft rotation. The new design is a significant improvement in practical use, however, and should serve as the starting point for further improvements.
Milios, Gregory Scott (1996). Miniaturization of a left ventricular assist device. Master's thesis, Texas A&M University. Available electronically from
https : / /hdl .handle .net /1969 .1 /ETD -TAMU -1996 -THESIS -M544.