Circulatory assist devices are needed for immediate temporary treatment of acute myocardial infarction and for some postcardiotomy patients. The now widely used counter-pulsation intra-aortic balloon pumping (IABP) increases myocardial oxygen uptake and coronary perfusion, and reduces load on the heart and its oxygen demand. Existing IABP driving consoles are relatively large and cumbersome, typically having weights of 100 to 200 pounds. There is a need for a small, lightweight IABP driver for emergency use, patient transport and easier positioning in an operating room. Miniaturization of an IABP driving device eventually could lead to application as an ambulatory LVAD.During Phase I, testing was carried out to determine the actual minimum pressures and vacuums required to drive a production safety chamber that shuttles helium gas to inflate and deflate an intra-aortic balloon. Preliminary designs for air pumps and valves have been generated, as well as a minimum size package for an elementary Portable Balloon Pump Driver that weighs under 30 pounds.++ A drag compressor has been built and tested. The goal of the Phase II Program is to develop a prototype of a portable intra-aortic balloon pumping machine for intra- and inter-hospital and vehicular patient transport. The market for a portable intra-aortic balloon operating device could be a sizable fraction of the total present market. 27 lbs. without safety chamber, 28.5-30 lbs. with safety chamber.National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute (NHLBI)
