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The blood coming from the heart flows into the INCOR® axial pump and first passes the inducer which guides the laminar flow onto the actual impeller. This is suspended by a magnetic bearing and floats free of contact with other parts. It is responsible for the actual pumping, operating at speeds between 5,000 and 10,000 rotations per minute. The stationary diffuser behind the rotor has specially aligned blades which reduce the rotational effects of the blood flow and adds additional pressure to assist the transport of the blood in the outflow cannula to the aorta. 
The necessary power to drive the pump is supplied through a cable inserted under the skin on the patient's right side. The cable is connected to a small control unit which monitors and regulates the whole system. A main power pack and a back up power pack are attached to the control unit and supply INCOR® with sufficient electrical current.
INCOR® generates a steady blood flow which, in combination with the residual activity of the native left ventricle, leads to reduced pulsatility for the patient. The blood contact surfaces of INCOR® are coated with Carmeda® BioActive Surface.
Magnetic bearing – non-friction and non-wearing
INCOR® is the only axial system worldwide to be equipped with an active magnetic bearing which allows for a freely floating impeller.
The INCOR® impeller is axially active and radially passive without producing any actual physical contact. There is no direct mechanical contact between it – as the only movable part in the INCOR® pump - and its static components. This prevents any mechanical friction and, as a result, no frictional heat. This means no wear and tear at all to the parts and, consequently, a potentially infinite product life span for the INCOR® heart support system.
We have designed the blades of the internal components using numerical simulations of laser measurements in a fluid dynamics model which allows us to suppose a significant reduction in the rate of hemolysis is possible. The INCOR® motor is extremely efficient (> 90%) and therefore has an exceedingly low energy consumption. Any warming of the pump in operation is so minimal that no denaturation of proteins occurs. Both these factors stand in stark contrast to mechanical bearings, which generate at least local heat in accordance with the laws of physics as well as causing possible thrombal problems through blood protein denaturation.
Pulsality control – increased safety
The extremely precise sensors linked to the magnetic bearing supply the patient and the user with a wealth of important data about flow rates and pump performance. These values are also utilized by the new pulsality control. This prevents any suction through the pump in the left ventricle by detecting the residual pulsality linked with it. The pump then automatically reduces its rotation speed and allows a renewed filling of the ventricle. The originally selected pump performance is then restored slowly and in a controlled way.
Further details - precision in the smallest space
| Size and weight | ||
| Volume | 82 ml | |
| Diameter | 30 mm | |
| Length | 12 cm | |
| Weight | 200 g | |
| Capacity | 3-4 Watt | |
Because of its small size the INCOR® pump is easily implantable. The installation of a separate pump pack is not necessary.
An additional special feature is the new snap-in fasteners which ensure a safe, quick and uncomplicated connection between pump and cannulas. The silicone sheath prevents an ingrowing of the surrounding tissue.
Pump cable - a good connection
The percutaneous pump cable connects the INCOR® pump with the small external power pack. It is completely encased in silicone. At the place where the cable enters the skin there is also a polyester velour-coating to guarantee safe healing.
