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Abstract

A drive system for artificial hearts and left-ventricular assist devices. The drive system includes one or more implantable pumps driven by external electromagnets. Each pump preferably includes an armature made of a permanent magnet material having a magnetic energy product of at least about 30.times.10.sup.6 Gauss Oersted, and coercivity of at least about 10 kOe. In one embodiment of the invention, a pair of pumps are provided, with each being coupled to a respective ventricle of an artificial heart. In a second embodiment, a pair of pumps is connected to a single left-ventricular assist device. Each pump is mounted to the pelvic bone in the vicinity of the iliac crest. Fluid communication between the pump and its associated ventricle or left-ventricular assist device is provided by a length of flexible tubing extending subcutaneously up from the pump. Means are provided to enable periodic reversal of internal system leakage, and to enable replenishment of fluid lost from the system. Each electromagnet may be operated and powered by a plurality of rechargeable batteries and a PWM-type controller with a DC/DC converter. The electromagnets, batteries, and controller may be supported on a belt or girdle to provide a portable system, or alternatively may be mounted in a stationary support.

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First Claim