Pneumatic driver for a pediatric ventricular assist device

A new driver for a pneumatically powered pediatric ventricular assist device has been developed. The driver consists of stepper motor with an eccentric on the shaft driving a slider mechanism. The slider is connected to a pusher plate and diaphragm inside of a housing which generates the pressure. At the beginning of each half cycle the pressure is vented to atmosphere using a solenoid valve. Drive pressure, heart rate, and percent of systole are controlled by controlling the motor's step rate and shaft position.<<ETX>>