A cavalpulmonary assist device utilising impedance pumping enhanced by peristaltic effect.

Background: Fontan procedure, the standard surgical palliation to treat children with single ventricular defects, causes systemic complications over years due to lack of pumping at cavopulmonary junction. A device developed specifically for cavopulmonary support is thus considered, while current commercial ventricular assist devices (VAD) induce high shear rates to blood, and have issues with paediatric suitability.

Aim: To demonstrate the feasibility of a small, valveless, non-invasive to blood and pulsatile rotary pump, which integrates impedance and peristaltic effects.