In vitro characteristics of a minturized axial flow blood pump

The DeBakey V AD was tested in vitro in a mock circulation system and the intrinsic pump parameters and flow rate were recorded and analyzed. The mock circulation system was then adjusted to simulate adverse event conditions and the data were compared to those of an optimal system. Through analysis of current waveform, power consumption and pump speed, approximate flow and adverse events can be detected without the use of data from flow meters or pressure transducers. These indicators of adverse events can be programmed into the controller and used in self-regulation of pump speed in the DeBakey V AD.