Antithrombogenic properties of a monopivot magnetic suspension centrifugal pump for circulatory assist.

The National Institute of Advanced Industrial Science and Technology (AIST) monopivot magnetic suspension centrifugal pump (MC105) was developed for open-heart surgery and several weeks of circulatory assist. The monopivot centrifugal pump has a closed impeller of 50 mm in diameter, supported by a single pivot bearing, and is driven through a magnetic coupling to widen the fluid gap. Design parameters such as pivot length and tongue radius were determined through flow visualization experiments, and the effectiveness was verified in preliminary animal experiments.