This invention is a modified linear peristaltic pump. This pumps utilizes a pulsatile mechanism, other than a traditional rotary pump that is often used in ventricular assist devices, to pump the blood, which help decrease blood clots.
Background: Ventricular Assistant Devices (VADs) help consistently pump from the lower chambers of the heart to the rest of the body. A number of pumps offer various benefits, but this linear peristaltic pump presents unique value. A peristaltic pump propels fluid, in this case blood, by a process that most closely mimics biological systems and allows for precise control. In addition, peristaltic pumps utilize a closed system, minimizing contamination and reducing maintenance needs through the simpler design. One of the major risks of an VAD is the chance of blood clotting. To help prevent blood clots, blood thinners are proactively prescribed to patients once a VAD has been implanted. Blood thinners also come with their own set of risks and often times require routine lab work to monitor effects. This invention uses a linear version of the peristaltic pump containing a new mechanism that is used to create a milking action for advancing the blood. This device has the potential to decrease the amount of blood clots that are seen with the use of standard VADs.
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Status: issued U.S. patent #12,023,479