Levacor VAD
The Levacor VAD is an advanced, next-generation rotary blood pump intended for Destination Therapy. Unlike the initial generation of rotary pumps with blood-lubricated bearings, the Levacor VAD is a compact, centrifugal pump with an impeller that is completely magnetically levitated (MagLev™). Full magnetic levitation eliminates wear mechanisms within the pump. It also permits greater clearances and more optimized blood flow around the impeller while eliminating dependence on the patient's blood for suspension. The Levacor VAD's levitation technology employs a unique combination of passive and single-axis active control, resulting in a system of optimal simplicity.
Rotary blood pumps offer the advantage of small size relative to pulsatile pumps. Pulsatile pumps more closely emulate the pumping action of the natural heart and provide the greatest degree of circulatory support, as required by the patient in end-stage heart failure. Rotary pumps provide support appropriate to the needs of late-stage heart failure patients, while their small size facilitates implantation in a wider range of patients. Pulsatile and rotary pumps thus serve complementary roles in treating the spectrum of heart failure patients.
Please visit the How It Works, Operation and Pump/Drive Technology sections for more information.
