Magnetohydrodynamic cardiac assist device

Abstract

A left ventricular assist device (LVAD) utilizing MHD principles, wherein an aortic electrode assembly is located within a main femoral artery in the aorta, in the vicinity of the heart of a patient, which electrode assembly is exposed to a high density magnetic field generated outside of the patient. The high density magnetic field urges electrified blood within the artery in the vicinity of the electrode along the length of the electrode in a uniform direction, thereby providing a fluid pumping force and pressure commensurate with the magnetic field strength and electrode current in accordance with MHD theory and practice. A cardio bypass system is also taught, wherein in addition to the aortic electrode assembly, as second electrode assembly is placed in the inferior vena cava having an opposite electrode polarity to the aortic electrode assembly, such that the second electrode assembly directs blood flow toward the heart. In the preferred embodiment of the invention, the magnetic field is generated exterior of the patient via a superconducting magnet which is designed to bridge the torso of the patent, such that the electrodes are generally centrally disposed within the magnetic field, along a longitudinal axis aligned with the aorta (and inferior vena cava), and generally orthogonal to the magnetic field. Sensors monitoring the patient may utilize ECG, blood pressure, and other data to control the magnet, varying the magnetic field so as to emulate the pumping action and intensity of the patents heart in real time, or simulate same.