Artificial heart uses ferrofluid to pump blood

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Sandrine Ceurstemont, editor, New Scientist TV

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Shape-shifting ferrofluid has been used in body armour, but a new prototype is showing that it could help keep people alive more directly.

Engineer Chris Suprock and his team from Suprock Technologies in Exeter, New Hampshire, are using ferrofluid to develop an artificial heart with no mechanical parts or motors. The device takes a novel approach by simulating the way a real heart contracts to move fluid. An early prototype is made from an elastic membrane containing ferrofluid fixed to a frame. When an electromagnet underneath is activated, it attracts magnetic particles suspended in the fluid, causing the "skin" to stretch out. Combining a few of these devices could mimic the pumping action of a heart.

"Membrane concepts have been explored using pneumatics or hydraulics; however, we are finding that ferrofluid provides more precise control and is more compact," says Suprock. "Moreover, the ferrofluid action is electric and can be powered from outside the body without physical contact."

The team is considering two different designs: one that uses two chambers with valves, and another less traditional version that uses ferrofluid in a roller pump (see video). According to Suprock, the second design is more promising because it doesn't require valves or mechanical obstacles that interrupt flow.

Existing left-ventricular assist devices (LVADs), which are implanted to augment the pumping of the left ventricle, use turbo pumps that can damage blood because they create shear. A ferrofluid system that makes a gentler pumping motion would reduce this stress. The system is also likely be cheaper because it doesn't require bearings or moving parts.

If you enjoyed this post, see a ferrofluid installation that monitors earthquake activity or watch how a turbine device could keep you alive without a heartbeat.