Actuation of Novel Blood Pump by Direct Application of Rotating Magnetic Field

This paper presents a magnetic centrifugal pump, driven by an external rotating magnetic field, for use in artificial heart-assist blood pumps. The magnet rotor in the pump is synchronized to a rotating magnetic field, which then causes the fabricated impeller to produce a centrifugal force in the pump. Because the pump is driven by the direct application of an external rotating magnetic field, the proposed pump does not require a shaft or mechanical bearings. Thus, the proposed mechanism and external driving source give the pump the advantages of compact size; wireless, battery-free operation; heat-free operation; and minimal risk of bacterial infections. The pump weight, length, and diameter are 34 g, 35 mm, and 20 mm, respectively. The compact size and performance make the device suitable for use in pediatric cardiac assistance pumps.