Dr. Rodefeld's Fontan Blood Pump (Clip from "Matters of the Heart")

The Children’s Heart Foundation was an early and repeated funder of Dr. Mark Rodefeld's research to create a Fontan Blood Pump that simulates a heart pump and could reduce the need for heart transplants. Dr. Rodefeld went on to receive a $5 million grant from the National Institutes of Health to continue his research on this revolutionary device.
Watch him explain how the pump works - and his vision - in this clip from our Visionaries Public Television Series episode, "Matters of the Heart".
www.visionarie...

[@elliottfireice4394]

Unfortunately there is a flaw in this. It won't stop left ventricular failure

[@wafaaelkarn9137]

waiting for this great pump to be applied soon for fontaner 's it will relief liver congestion and fibrosis

[@elliottfireice4394]

This is amazing. The problem is people need this NOW. I hope one day this is an option to me so I can avoid a transplant myself. I have a lateral tunnel fontan

[@kiteaddiction9332]

When will it get tested in human??

[@timothyconover9805]

The current NIH-funded research schedule includes two rounds of animal testing, 2023 and 2024. After that, further progress will require either another NIH grant or some large corporate partner to proceed into human trials. So the answer is honestly "unknown" at this time.

[@akongas]

Really great work. How often does it need to be changed? Do the parts wear out?

[@zumbawithalexa]

It looks really large. Would it fit a child, or an adult?

[@timothyconover9805]

The pump is proposed to be a permanent implant in adolescents, near adult size. The mechanical design is to exceed normal human lifespan. As with any blood-handling device, a main topic of ongoing research is to prevent formation of blood clots. In the event it does stop rotating, it causes little to no more resistance to blood flow than the patient's existing Fontan circulation.

[@kiteaddiction9332]

@@timothyconover9805 when will this be tested in human??any idea.??