Continuous rotation reversible pitch axial thrust heart pump

Abstract

A continuous and unidirectional rotation reversible pitch axial thrust heart pump having a blood handling housing with first inlet and outlet check valves connected to the housing and second inlet and outlet check valves connected to the housing. A first diaphragm is movable in the housing for alternately pumping blood into the first inlet and out of the first outlet valve. A second diaphragm is movable in the housing for alternately pumping fluid into second inlet and out of the second outlet valve. A continuous and unidirectional rotating axial thrust pump is positioned in a hydraulic fluid chamber between the diaphragms. The impeller includes a plurality of blades rotatably mounted on a circular bearing which is rotatably mounted in the housing. The pitch angle of the blades is alternately rotated and reversed which alternately directs the hydraulic fluid to each of the diaphragms that alternately pumps fluid into and out of the housing. The reversing means may include first and second circular drive rotors connected on opposite sides of the impeller blades and alternately actuated. In addition, first and second electrical brushless motors may be provided to drive the first and second rotors, respectively. Each of the rotors includes rotatable means engaging each of the blades for rotating the blades and changing their pitch angle when one of the rotors is moved relative to the other.