Analysis and Simulations

Engineering Solutions

Product Design

Process Systems Design

Production Equipment Development

Instrumentation & Control

Systems Integration

Analysis & Simulation

Human Factors

Nondestructive Inspection & Evaluation

Magnetic Device Modeling

Medical Devices

Food Processing Equipment

Pharmaceutical & Biotechnology Innovation

Catheter Pump

Under funding from the National Institutes of Health and in collaboration with a major medical center, Foster-Miller developed an intravascular catheter blood pump for use as a cardiac-assist device in the operating room or interventional cardiology lab. This miniature rotary pump features a proprietary passive magnetic suspension system. Use of magnetic bearings in the pump design avoids the crevices or seals of mechanical bearings that could induce thrombosis. Success in bench testing with a prototype has led to efforts to further miniaturize the pump. The dime-sized pump will be substantially smaller than any currently available device, making it suitable for providing circulatory support even in pediatric patients. It will also provide support in a variety of clinical settings, ranging from support for acute heart failure to use as a bridge to transplantation.

The expertise applied to this project includes: