CARDIAC SUPPORT PUMP

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a pump for cardiac support. The pump is designed to mimic a heartbeat and support blood flow very gently.

[0002] Intensive work is being carried out worldwide on the possibilities of providing mechanical support for people suffering from heart failure and even on partial technical heart replacement.

[0003] Systems designed to simulate the heart rate, for example, feature solutions with rubber-like pump chambers or membrane-like films, which are subject to material aging and thus wear. For this reason, simple centrifugal pump systems are used today. These are largely successful due to their simplicity, but only generate a pulse-free and thus constant, even blood flow. These can sometimes, or only to a limited extent, generate different pressures in a wave-like manner due to variable speed increases in order to approximate the influence of the pulse. It must be borne in mind that the high speeds of such a solution can have a negative impact on the load capacity and thus on the transport function of the blood. However, such technical designs can work solely with metallic or ceramic materials that are not subject to wear, which is also why they are used today, for example.in centrifugal system solutions.

[0004] In centrifugal pump systems, however, due to the high speed, radial turbulence around the suction vector already occurs in the suction area, followed by further strong radial acceleration by the rapidly rotating drive rotor in the actual pump body.

[0005] In hydraulic pump construction, rotary lobe pumps with two intermeshed rotary lobes or a single rotary lobe and a sealing flap are known. Also known are vane pumps, which feature an alternating rotary-pivoting movement of a vane with valve flaps in the vane and in the pump housing for the inlet and outlet. A problem with these pumps is that dead spaces can form, creating a risk of blood clots and / or plaque formation when used as a blood pump.

[0006] For example, DE 10 2004 005 468 B4 discloses a rotary piston pump suitable for use as a pump for liquids. It has a working rotor and a sealing rotor, with the fluids to be pumped being supplied via a central hollow shaft. The disadvantage is the associated large size.

[0007] Furthermore, a rotary piston pump with a rotary piston and a sealing flap is known from DE6927594U.

[0008] Furthermore, DE202016000016U1 discloses a rotary lobe pump with a rotary lobe rotatable in a pump housing and at least two external rotors.

[0009] US 2019 / 167872 A1 discloses an artificial heart with a pump, the pump comprising a housing with a substantially spherical cavity and four vascular ports. A rotatable disc is mounted in the housing and secured to rotate about a fixed axis, while two oscillating pallets are mounted to rotate about a movable axis movable in a plane perpendicular to the fixed axis. The pallets are interconnected and arranged diametrically opposite each other on either side of the rotatable disc (11) to form two pumping units, each comprising two chambers of variable size in fluid communication with a vascular port.During operation, each oscillating pallet oscillates relative to the rotating disc to simultaneously generate two suction strokes and two discharge strokes, pumping blood into one chamber of each pump unit and blood out of the other chamber of each pump unit through the corresponding vascular ports. The pump's drive unit generates a rotating magnetic field within the pump housing.

[0010] The object of the invention is to create a rotary piston pump or rotary vane pump which is membrane-free and is able to adjust a pulse during the pumping process. This should achieve a gentle pumping of the respective fluid, for example blood.

[0011] It has been shown that rotary piston pumps or rotary vane pumps with a special rotary piston with at least two vanes and at least two sealing flaps are well suited as heart pumps.

[0012] The rotary piston pump or rotary vane pump according to the invention is capable of simulating a pulse during its pumping action. The specific basic requirements of a device that replaces a human heart can be taken into account.

[0013] With the invention, in the specified application, it is achieved that a rotary lobe pump orRotary vane pump, comprising a pump housing with a substantially cylindrical pump chamber and a rotary piston as a rotor with at least two vanes arranged opposite one another or evenly distributed in the circumferential direction, a rotor axle tube and at least one sealing flap, wherein at least two sealing flaps arranged opposite one another or evenly distributed in the circumferential direction are present, and wherein the at least two sealing flaps are rotatable or pivotable and wherein in the rotor axle tube there is an inlet channel extending from the opposite axial ends and separated from one another axially to at least two inlet openings in the pump chamber and an outlet channel axially from at least two outlet openings from the pump chamber, wherein one of the inlet openings is arranged after one of the vanes in the rotor axle tube in the direction of rotation and one of the outlet openings is arranged in front of one of the vanes in the rotor axle tube in the direction of rotation.Here, rotatable or pivotable also includes movable or twistable.

[0014] With regard to the direction of rotation, a pressure side or discharge side or a corresponding area is formed in front of the respective wing and, in the direction of rotation, a suction side or inlet side or a corresponding area is formed after the respective wing.

[0015] Furthermore, the invention comprises a method for operating a rotary piston pump or rotary vane pump, in which, in a substantially cylindrical pump chamber of a pump housing, a fluid is pressed into an outlet opening in the rotor axis tube in the direction of rotation in front of the respective vane by the rotary movement of a rotary piston as a rotor with a rotor axis tube and with at least two vanes arranged thereon opposite one another or evenly distributed in the circumferential direction, and at the same time the fluid is sucked in through an inlet opening in the rotor axis tube in the direction of rotation after the respective vane,wherein the compression and suction areas are each separated by means of a sealing flap, and the respective sealing flap is in a closed position for pressure or discharge and suction or inlet, and after the pressure or discharge and the suction or inlet, the respective sealing flap is pivoted to the radially outer area of ​​the pump chamber or rotated around the radially outer end of the respective vane for passing the respective vane, and after passing the respective sealing flap is brought or moved back into a closed position towards the rotor shaft tube, thus closing the pump chamber again into the circumferentially delimited areas for pressure or discharge and suction or inlet,whereby the blood flow, i.e., the pressure or discharge, and the suction or inflow, occur again in a timed fashion. As the respective leaflet passes through the respective sealing flap, which necessarily evades, the blood flow is completely interrupted until the leaflet has passed through the area of ​​the sealing flap and the sealing flap then closes again or moves towards closing.

[0016] According to the invention, a rotor with at least two blades is arranged in the substantially cylindrical pump chamber of the pump housing, for example with a front and rear housing cover, which rotor moves blood by means of its rotation.

[0017] Advantageously, in the pump presented here, the fluid is moved largely only laminarly, partially deliberately accelerated and also pressed and ejected in the pump during pumping, similar to the natural heart.

[0018] The extreme, traumatizing rotating swirling of the blood, as in the well-known centrifugal pumps (VAD pumps), with rotors running at approximately 5,000 rpm, does not occur. However, a rotation of the blood from a healthy heart into the vascular system is very similar to the natural rotation. This is a phenomenon observed in all natural processes, particularly in fluids, meandering rivers, and the movement of gases. In a healthy body, this process of gentle swirling is introduced, which gently swirls the blood in all directions, preventing it from forming blood clots and plaque.

[0019] The pump rotates at 35 rpm and with every half revolution 2 x 35 cm3< = 70 cm3< are pumped per pulse. The rotor pumps the blood through a rotary motion over a range of approximately 140° rotation angle per pulse within half a revolution or within 180° rotation angle in just approximately 0.24 seconds. One half revolution corresponds to one pulse, corresponding to an average of 70 pulses per minute. In general, this type of pump imparts such rotation to the medium to be pumped through its moderate rotation, which is of great importance for the anatomy of blood movement and thus helps to prevent thrombi and plaque formation. Advantageously or preferably, the outlet channel or the rotor axis tube for the outlet or the outlet tube additionally has a winding or helical course or internal cross-section.

[0020] The fluid flows through clearly defined guide cross-sections without sharp edges, etc. At, for example, 35 rpm or 70 pulses per minute, the blood cannot be significantly damaged. Only when the leaflet passes relatively slowly under the sealing valve does a moderate, but very deliberate, all-round turbulence of the blood occur, to prevent thickening or plaque formation. However, the movements of the components are comparatively smooth movements of very smooth surfaces in the blood medium, which at this point are deliberately designed to freely flow around the valve and leaflet in all directions, as if flushing the air.

[0021] The rotary piston pump or rotary vane pump according to the invention has at least two sealing flaps. Due to the interruption of the delivery rate by the sealing flap described above, which opens to allow passage of the vane, but otherwise represents the temporal and / or spatial limitation of the pump chamber with the pump chamber sections, a timing or pulsation of the fluid as the material being pumped results.

[0022] For this medical purpose, it is used as a pulsating blood pump, providing partial or unilateral cardiac support or even as a complete heart replacement, thus serving both heart chambers. The pulse emanating from the pump stretches and completely relieves the vascular system, similar to the function of the natural heart. This maintains the elasticity of not only the vascular system but also the ventricular system.

[0023] It is advantageous for the outlet channel and inlet channel, which are each separate from the opposite axial ends of the rotor axis tube, and for the inflow and outflow of the fluid, the rotor axis tube is divided axially into two sections, wherein a flow-optimized, for example oblique, also rounded or curved channel separation is provided transversely to the axial extent of the rotor axis tube, and thus the inlet channel forms an inflow channel from one axial end into the rotor axis tube and the outlet channel forms an outflow channel from the opposite axial end of the rotor axis tube, wherein the fluid enters the pump chamber through the inlet channel as the inflow channel via the inlet openings and the fluid leaves the pump chamber again through the outlet openings into the outlet channel as the outflow channel. The connections for the inflow and outflow of the fluid are thus in a line.

[0024] The rotary piston pump or rotary vane pump according to the invention provides support for the human heart or allows for the partial replacement of a heart with an artificial replacement. The rotary piston pump according to the invention provides a basic pulse rate similar to that of a healthy heart, for example, close to 70 pulses / min, by electronically pumping a patient-specific delivery volume of, for example, approximately 70 cm³ per revolution, and thus, for example, 4,900 cm³ / min of blood. Depending on the performance requirements, the fresh blood supply can be adapted to the individual body and can also be delivered into the bloodstream with variable pulses.

[0025] The simple construction comprises three moving rotating or partially rotating parts, including the rotor with vanes and the two sealing flaps, and a substantially circular cylindrical pump housing made of metallic or other non-aging materials.

[0026] The rotary piston pump or rotary vane pump according to the invention makes it possible to provide a basic pulse rate similar to that of a healthy heart in normal pulse mode with approximately 70 pulses per minute, but also with a significantly increased or reduced flow rate, adjusted by the speed.

[0027] The active delivery of blood from the rotary piston pump or rotary vane pump, for example, directly follows the command from the sinus node, which is transmitted digitally to the control unit via measurement technology and passed on as an electrical command.

[0028] The flow rate can be adjusted for both small and large hearts, as well as for larger or smaller flow volumes, by adjusting the size of the pump chamber in terms of length or diameter to the desired flow volume of the specific patient, thus making different performance sizes easily scalable for use.

[0029] The speed of the pump can also be adjusted on the basis of the oxygen requirement to be measured or other physiological parameters, so that the pulse, similar to that of a human heart, is able to adapt both briefly and permanently in the event of increased performance exertion or performance requirements, provided that this physiological information can be made available by measurement and, for example, a higher speed is specified for the drive, for example the rotating field of an electric motor, both in software and hardware.

[0030] To simplify the structural design, a simple rotor bearing is provided if the rotor, for example, has two blades with respect to one revolution or the full circle at 0° and at 180°, allowing the desired delivery volume to be pumped or moved per half revolution, and the arrangement of the rotor blades divides the pump chamber into, for example, two delivery halves, so that two separate delivery areas each provide the predetermined volume over half a revolution, and the rotor axis tube has a channel separation in the middle of its axial extension. With this solution with two opposing delivery sections, the resulting pressure cancels out the one-sided pressure, unlike with a rotor with only one blade, which means that the rotor is guided in a floating manner with its two blades, allowing a simple bearing solution to be provided.

[0031] The rotor shaft tube of the rotor can be mounted in the pump housing, for example, on two housing halves or on two housing covers on a housing or on a concentrically arranged centering or guide axis or shaft or in another suitable manner.

[0032] The rotor axis tube can run on the surface of the respective housing component or be mounted in a recess or can protrude into corresponding openings of the inlet or outlet and be mounted there.

[0033] In the pump housing, the vanes form a first and a second pumping zone, each covering a range of half a revolution of the rotor. The volume is approximately twice as high as 35 cm3 per half revolution, so that 70 cm3 can be pumped per pulse.

[0034] Additionally, magnets may be present on the vanes, and electromagnets may be present on the pump housing, on the housing wall and / or the housing covers, for example, on the two axially located housing surfaces, running circumferentially. By arranging the magnets or electromagnets and controlling them, the rotor can also be centered purely by electromagnetic-electronic measurement, by controlling the corresponding actuation by increasing or decreasing the load on the electromagnets. Furthermore, varying rotor rotation speeds can be achieved depending on increasing or decreasing required blood volumes.

[0035] If a rotor with only one blade is used, it would have to be supported on bearings, since the pressure work exerts a considerable lateral pressure on the rotor and thus, without bearings, the function of an undisturbed rotor rotation would not be guaranteed.

[0036] Furthermore, the pump housing can be constructed in multiple parts. For example, the pump housing can be formed or assembled in multiple parts, for example, with two housing halves or two housing covers on one housing, or in another way.

[0037] Advantageously, a sealing rotor can be omitted, which allows the size of the artificial heart to be significantly reduced. Instead of the sealing rotor, sealing flaps are used, which are preferably curved, sickle-shaped, or omega-shaped and form the boundary of the pump chamber and the respective pump chamber section. This results in a smaller size. The sealing flaps can be controlled and moved synchronously using a mechanical, electro-mechanical, or magnetic drive on or in the pump housing, for example in or on the housing cover(s), to allow the vane to pass through and then close again. The movement of the sealing flap depends on the angular speed of the rotor or the angle of rotation of the vanes and thus of the rotor.

[0038] Preferably, two of the rotary piston pumps can be cascaded or combined, so that, for example, different fluids or the same fluid can be pumped in parallel using multiple rotary piston pumps. This allows a combination as a double pump. For cardiac replacement or cardiac support, fresh blood is taken from the pulmonary vessels and directed axially into the aorta. The parallel pump takes the old blood from the vena cavae and directs it into the pulmonary arteries. These functions can also be implemented with just one shared rotor axis. This allows two pumps to operate synchronously with a shared rotor axis or rotor shaft, or separately or offset, each with its own rotor axis or rotor shaft.

[0039] A further aspect of the invention allows two pumps to be coupled to a common rotor axis or rotor shaft. One of the two pumps takes over the blood from the pulmonary veins with its rotor axis tube and directs it through the pump chamber into the other end of the rotor axis tube and from there into the aorta. Likewise, the blood from the vena cavae is fed into the rotor axis tube of the other pump. After passing through the second or other pump chamber, it is also directed back to the other end of the rotor axis tube and transferred to the pulmonary arteries. This allows two pumps on one rotor axis or rotor shaft to work together, synchronously but separately. The outlet of the blood from the outlet tube into the respective blood vessel is designed in such a way that it is clearly congruent with the pulse.

[0040] The terms rotational speed and angular speed of the rotor or its blades are understood as synonymous.

[0041] Due to the shape of the rotor and the blades, the rotary lobe pump can also be called a rotary vane pump or a rotary vane pump. In this respect, the two terms can be used synonymously.

[0042] Fluids are understood to mean any liquid, including blood or other conveyable body fluids.

[0043] Advantageous embodiments of the rotary lobe pump and the method are presented in the subclaims.

[0044] Since the blades are point-symmetrical to the axis of rotation of the rotor shaft tube, it is advantageous to provide blades that are flow-optimized and adapted to the fluid.

[0045] By designing the vane contours with a single or multiple curve in the radial direction, fluid displacement can be optimized. Particularly in the area in front of and at the sealing flaps, the fluid displacement can be optimized through appropriate shaping, thus keeping the pump's size as small as possible. Due to anatomical features and the limited space, for example, in the human chest cavity, a small size is preferable.

[0046] Advantageously, the contour of the at least two sealing flaps has a curved or circular arc in the radial direction of the pump housing. This optimizes the distribution of forces due to pressure or discharge and suction or inflow during pumping. Furthermore, the displacement of the fluid can be further optimized, particularly in interaction with the respective rotor blade. The respective sealing flaps are thus flat or partially cylindrical in shape over the area or circumferential section of the circular arc.

[0047] By ensuring that the radially curved contour of the vanes and the curved contour of the at least two sealing flaps are similar, adapted, or congruent to each other, the displacement of the fluid in interaction with the respective vane of the rotor can be further optimized.

[0048] By having at least two sealing flaps on the end facing the radially outer housing wall of the pump chamber an approximately tangentially straight extension or an extension with an inlet or outlet radius corresponding to the pump chamber outer diameter of the housing wall of the pump chamber or an extension with the pump chamber outer diameter, the respective vane can still perform pumping work while already in the area of ​​the sealing flap or omega flaps, without these already opening or having to open. This minimizes the period of time or the angle of rotation during which the pump is not performing or cannot perform pumping work. A further advantage is that the total volume of the pump can be reduced while maintaining the same pumping performance. Furthermore, the movement of the respective vane into the area of ​​the respective sealing flap is facilitated.In addition, the sealing effect on the radial outer wall of the pump housing and on the rotor shaft tube is improved.

[0049] By supporting or arranging the at least two sealing flaps in or on the pump housing via spokes or webs or pins or balls at a pivot point or pivot point or in rails or in or on guides so as to be slidable, rotatable or pivotable, the pump housing having at least one free space radially and / or axially at least in some areas in the area or range of movement of the at least two sealing flaps, i.e. the pump housing is widened in this area, the sealing flaps can be supported optimally and moved or deflected to allow the respective vane to pass through. In addition, the free space created laterally, above and below the sealing flap when the respective sealing flap is opened forces and promotes turbulence in the area of ​​the support and guide and thus in the area of ​​the widening of the pump housing.

[0050] By having at least two sealing flaps that are concentrically or eccentrically rotatable, pivotable, or twistable, with the at least two sealing flaps abutting radially and axially against the pump housing in a closed position and spaced apart from the pump housing in the open position, the position or distance of the sealing flaps from the pump housing can be increased, thereby promoting fluid flow and turbulence in the boundary area between the sealing flap and the pump housing. Precautions must be taken, particularly when handling or pumping blood, to prevent dangerous blood clots. To this end, it is important that there is no area into which the blood flows slowly or not at all.

[0051] Preferably, the at least two sealing flaps have a crescent-shaped or omega-shaped configuration in the radial direction. The sealing flap can therefore also be referred to as an omega flap. It thus has a configuration optimized for interaction with the rotor blades.

[0052] For the sake of simplicity, the terms sealing flap and omega flap are also used synonymously, so that an omega flap is understood to mean a sealing flap and a sealing flap also means an omega flap.

[0053] Preferably, the construction of the Omega valve, a substantially isosceles Omega, has a wing on its leg which follows the circumference on the outer radius of the pump chamber and enables the initial entry and passage of the respective wing of the rotor to largely clear any residual amount of blood into the Omega valve.

[0054] Each Omega flap is mounted so that it can rotate, pivot, or twist around an eccentric pivot point. With its axial outer edges on both sides, the Omega flap is attached to the respective axial pump casing end, for example to the casing cover, so that it can be rotated accordingly. To open, the Omega flap initially moves radially so that the respective blade of the rotor can pass freely between the rotor and the Omega flap in a synchronized rotation. In addition, as soon as the sealing flap opens, the radially sealing contact arches of the casing wall and the sealing flap move away from the pump casing, thus ensuring active flow around the outer edges of the sealing flap, which is now exposed on all sides, for example above and below as well as to the sides of these free spaces to the pump casing.The pump housing is therefore radially and / or axially widened at least in some areas in the area or movement area of ​​the at least two sealing flaps.

[0055] It is advantageous that in the area of ​​the respective sealing flap or omega flap there is a distance radially outward as well as axially between the respective sealing flap or omega flap and the passing wing.

[0056] This distance corresponds approximately to or preferably to the free space or the widening between the respective sealing flap or omega flap and the radial housing wall widened in the area of ​​the respective sealing flap or omega flap or the axial housing cover widened in this area.

[0057] This means that the swirling blood volume, thanks to its free movement on all sides, can create sufficient unrest and turbulence to prevent the formation of thickened blood.

[0058] Due to this special design and the bearing of the sealing flap, the force vectors occurring within it, pressure and suction, are balanced to zero. Thus, the pressure and suction forces inside and outside the Omega flap during the conveying phase are largely canceled out. This significantly simplifies the positioning of the Omega flap. Furthermore, the energy required to hold the Omega flap in place is very low, requiring only one guide device for opening and closing, which also determines and secures the position of the Omega flap in the open or closed position.

[0059] Advantageously, a complete seal between the pressure and suction sides inside the heart pump is not necessarily required. Side seals on the vanes are therefore only necessary when necessary.

[0060] A small gap, for example, of 0.08 mm to 0.3 mm, between the rotor blades and the radial housing wall and the axial housing cover of the pump housing is advantageous in order to minimize blood trauma. This largely ensures a gentle, rotating pumping action that is aligned with the rhythm of the human heart.

[0061] When the respective sealing flap is closed, it rests against the radial housing wall and the axial housing cover as well as the rotor axis tube.

[0062] However, there may be a small gap at least on the axial housing covers and on the rotor axis tube.

[0063] By providing the pump housing with electromagnets evenly and / or irregularly distributed over the circumference and / or axial extent, and / or in the area of ​​the sealing flaps, at least in the radially outer region, the position and movement of the vanes and thus the rotor can be detected, while also enabling a simple, contactless drive of the vanes and thus the rotor. Furthermore, the position and movement of the sealing flaps can also be monitored and controlled.

[0064] By providing at least one magnet at least at the radially outer end of the vanes, the rotational speed of the rotor and thus the vanes and / or the position of the vanes in the circumferential direction can be measured. In particular, the magnet(s) on the vane can be used to create a drive using the electromagnets on the pump housing, which drives the vanes and thus the rotor precisely and as needed.

[0065] By having one, two, or more magnets on at least two sealing flaps, these can be controlled contactlessly using electromagnets from outside or inside the pump housing, or from inside the vanes using magnets. To be able to use electromagnetic fields unhindered for drive, an appropriate choice of materials, for example, metallic materials on the one hand, or ceramic or fiber-reinforced plastics on the other, is necessary.

[0066] Alternatively, the sealing flaps can be controlled and operated mechanically, for example, by means of a detent and / or spring force. The respective wing can intervene in a supporting manner. The wing can trigger or assist the opening and / or closing of the sealing flap.

[0067] By controlling the electromagnets individually and / or as a group, control of the sealing flaps and / or vanes, and thus the rotor, can be improved. Furthermore, position monitoring of the sealing flaps and / or vanes can be improved. A variable rotating field can be provided using the electromagnets.

[0068] Because the at least two sealing flaps each have at least one seal, the fluid flow is directed in a controlled manner via the inlet and outlet openings. These can preferably be located in the region of at least one of the respective radial ends of the sealing flaps.

[0069] By extending the vanes radially in the direction of rotation in the area of ​​the pump housing, the respective sealing flaps can be moved to a sufficiently or fully open position, allowing the rotor vanes to pass through without difficulty. This simplifies the control of the respective sealing flaps.

[0070] This pump design is a forced-flow pump, whereby the fluid is forcibly sucked in. To reduce or compensate for unfavorable pressure conditions, which can also have a negative impact on the periphery, an overflow valve is provided as a vacuum-controlled bypass in the respective sealing flap between the pressure or discharge section, i.e. in the direction of rotation upstream of the respective sealing flap, and the suction or inlet section, in the direction of rotation downstream of the respective sealing flap.

[0071] By having an overflow valve or vacuum-controlled bypass between the pressure or discharge, i.e. the section that leads the blade in the direction of rotation, and the suction or inlet, i.e. the section that lags the blade in the direction of rotation, less favorable pressure conditions can be compensated alternatively or additionally or a targeted overflow can be achieved.

[0072] Such a bypass can also be provided on or in the housing or at another location.

[0073] Furthermore, alternatively or additionally, an overflow valve or vacuum-controlled bypass is provided in the vanes and / or on the pump housing in the area of ​​the sealing flaps from the pressure side to the suction side in order to compensate for unfavourable pressure conditions or to be able to cause a targeted overflow.

[0074] The pump according to the invention is a forced-pressure pump. When such a pump is configured, forced suction occurs, which can lead to implosion of the chambers if there is insufficient blood supply in the heart chamber(s). This creates a critical condition. A vacuum-controlled bypass is advantageously provided, which prevents a mechanically or electrically controlled valve on or in the pump from opening the bypass between the pressure area and the suction side when a predefined vacuum occurs, thus directing the blood that has just been pumped directly back to the suction side and preventing a further drop in the vacuum on the suction side. This will then, similar to a healthy heart, result in the familiar feeling of dizziness in the body and especially in the head due to an insufficient amount of oxygen-rich blood.This will, however, force the body to pause but will not pose any great danger until the circulation in the body returns to normal by pausing and, after detection by the control system, an electronic control instruction to the rotation speed of the pump leads to a normalization of the pulse behavior and thus the body's well-being.

[0075] Continuing on from the above topic, the following can be concluded: If a forced blood pump removes most of the blood to be pumped from the lower tip of the left ventricle, i.e. the volume corresponding to a healthy heart of on average 70 cm3, then there is almost no blood left in this ventricle that can be naturally pumped through the aortic valve into the aorta by the contraction of the heart muscle. This leaves only a residual amount of blood that the blood located above the aortic valve in the very wide aorta can only move to a small extent or not at all naturally, thus leading to congestion. It is known that congestive or stagnant blood tends to thicken or even clot, and this can lead to thrombosis.

[0076] To prevent this, the conventional surgical technique of using VAD pumps on the lower ventricle of the heart will hardly lead to satisfactory results with the pump presented here. This means that the rotary vane pump according to the invention can be better placed above the heart muscle, such as the aortic valve, and at the junction with the aorta. This would restore natural blood flow. The cusp valves in the wide aorta, for example, would protrude into the inlet tube of the pump, and the outlet tube would be encompassed by the other end of the severed aorta above it.

[0077] By varying the rotational movement or angular velocity of the rotary piston, i.e., the rotor and thus the vanes, depending on the angular position of the vanes, different pressures and flow velocities are achieved. This also includes the ability for the rotor to come to a standstill or be stopped for a period of time, then accelerate or move again to resume pumping.

[0078] The rotary motion or angular velocity of the rotary piston is advantageously reduced when the respective vane is located in the area of ​​the respective sealing flap. Reducing the rotational speed is particularly advantageous in the area of ​​the sealing flaps and when passing through them. Depending on the inertia and control of the sealing flaps, it is also advantageous to reduce the rotational speed. It has been shown that with the different rotational speeds and the associated flow rates, a pulsation of the fluid or blood almost comparable to that achieved in humans can be achieved.

[0079] Thus, for example, after the speed of the blades has been slowed down in the area of ​​and when passing the sealing flaps, the blades or the rotor are accelerated again after they have passed the sealing flaps, whereby the pumping work is resumed and a pulse or pulse beat with a heart-like pulse curve is specifically generated.

[0080] As an alternative to slowing down, a temporary standstill of the wings in the area of ​​the sealing flaps can also be provided.

[0081] If the leaflets are in the area of ​​and passing through the sealing flaps, the pumping action reduces or comes to a standstill. The time the leaflets are in the area of ​​or passing through the sealing flaps corresponds to approximately 0.7 to 0.75 times the time for half a rotation, i.e. the distance a leaflet travels from sealing flap to sealing flap. As is known, the heart beats on average at 70 beats per minute, i.e. 0.84 seconds per cardiac output, divided into approximately 0.6 seconds for filling the respective ventricle from the respective atrium and approximately 0.24 seconds for expulsion from the respective ventricle into the aorta or pulmonary artery by contraction of the heart muscle. In the pump according to the invention, in these first 0.6 seconds the sealing flap moves for approximately 0.1 seconds to open, remains in this position for approximately 0.4 seconds and moves in a further approximately 0.1 seconds by turning back to its original or sealed position to close.To open and close, the sealing flap in the pump housing rotates at an angle of approximately 110°.

[0082] This technical pump can perform this task almost equally well, as the pump, with its rotor and thus its two vanes, overcomes the pump chamber or pump chamber sections within 0.24 seconds and delivers the fluid or blood to the aorta and / or lungs via the well-known tube prosthesis. The two vanes then pass through the sealing valve or omega valve within 0.6 seconds, with the interruption of flow described above, which actively moves the blood in all directions. This also applies to bilateral cardiac support measures such as heart replacement.

[0083] In this way, the rotational movement of the blades or rotor can be accelerated to resume the pumping action, thus creating a pulse that is deceptively similar to the human heartbeat.

[0084] The rotational movement of the rotor and / or the position of the sealing flaps and / or any other measurement data used as a basis for pump operation can be recorded, allowing the pump's operation to be controlled. For this purpose, the occurring movement, starting, and acceleration torques are preferably also taken into account.

[0085] By adjusting the rotary motion of the rotary piston and / or the position of the sealing flaps, preferably by controlling electromagnets, a precise interaction of the sealing flaps and the rotor vanes is facilitated. By providing a valve in the outlet channel, backflow can be prevented if an unintentionally large amount of blood should back up under the sealing flap as the vane(s) pass through.

[0086] Advantageously, the current pulse of the sinus node and / or the AV node is detected early, whereby this pulse is amplified briefly and transmitted via a computer interface to the drive unit, for example an electric motor unit or the magnetic control, in order to ensure extensive synchronization of the artificial heart with the human rhythm based on the physiological conditions.

[0087] Preferably, the heart pump performs the pumping work with a left rotation for patients in the northern hemisphere of the planet Earth, while it works with a right rotation for patients in the southern hemisphere.

[0088] The rotary piston pump can be used as a heart pump to support the human heart or as a bilateral heart replacement.

[0089] Several embodiments of the invention are illustrated in the drawings and described in more detail below. They show: Fig. 1a rotary piston pump or rotary vane pump as a sectional view in plan view, with the blades of the rotor being straight in the radial direction and the sealing flaps having only a slightly curved contour, Fig. 2 to 4 a rotary lobe pump or a rotary vane pump as a sectional view in plan view in different positions and positions of the rotor and the sealing flaps, whereby the vanes of the rotor are curved in the radial direction and the sealing flaps are curved in a sickle shape or omega shape, Fig. 5 a rotary piston pump or rotary vane pump as a partial detailed section of the Figure 2 in lateral sectional view, Fig. 6 a rotary piston pump or rotary vane pump in a lateral sectional view at the end of the pumping process, shortly before the sealing flaps open, Fig. 7 a detailed section of the wing and the sealing flap from Figure 3 Fig. 8 a detailed section of the wing and the sealing flap Figs. 9 and 10 , a rotary piston pump or rotary vane pump in a lateral sectional view in different positions of the rotor and the sealing flaps, whereby the vanes of the rotor are curved in the radial direction and the sealing flaps are crescent-shaped or omega-shaped, Fig. 11 a detailed sectional view of the wing and the sealing flap with an enlarged view of the free spaces when the flap is opened and Fig. 12 a lateral sectional view of the Figure 11 .

[0090] The basic principle for cardiac support with the rotary lobe pump or rotary vane pump according to the invention is, for example, as follows. The fresh blood, coming from the lungs, for example, is fed to a central inlet 9, for example in a housing cover 9 at one axial end of the pump housing 2, and to a substantially equally sized or narrowing inlet channel 11 in a rotor shaft tube 18 of a rotating rotor 1 of the rotary lobe pump or rotary vane pump. The blood then flows through two inlet openings 6 in the rotor shaft tube 18 into the pump chamber 8 or the respective pump chamber sections 8a. As a result of the pumping process, the blood flows from the pump chamber 8 or the respective pump chamber sections 8a via two outlet openings 7 in the rotor shaft tube 18 into the outlet channel 12, which leads to the outlet 10, for example in a further housing cover 10, from the pump housing 2, and is fed to the corresponding peripheral blood vessel.

[0091] The rotor shaft tube 18 of the rotor 1 extends from the inlet 9 at one axial end to an outlet 10 at an opposite end of the rotor shaft tube 18. A straight or rounded channel separation 19 is present in the rotor shaft tube 18 between the inlet 9 and the outlet 10, or between the inlet channel 11 and the outlet channel 12, which runs obliquely toward the inlet openings 6 and the outlet openings 7, thereby separating the inlet channel 11 from the outlet channel 12 in the rotor shaft tube 18. The rotor shaft tube 18 is thus fluidically divided transversely to its axial extent.

[0092] Depending on the electronic-electrical control, the rotor 1 generates approximately 70 pulses per minute through corresponding rotations. The vanes 3 sweep along the housing walls 2 of the pump chamber 8. The housing walls 2 of the pump chamber 8 include the radially outer wall of the pump housing 2 of the pump chamber 8 as well as the walls of the axial boundary of the pump chamber 8, for example, the inner walls of the housing covers 9, 10 of the pump housing 2. The vanes 3 demarcate a pressure side 7 from a suction side 6. Since the delivery volume of the pump chamber 8 with the respective pump chamber sections 8a is defined as twice approximately 35 cm 3< by the space between the rotor axis tube 18 and the housing walls 2 of the pump chamber 8 and thus, for example, an average delivery volume of 70 cm 3< per half revolution, when the rotor 1 or the respective vanes 3 rotate in the direction of the respective sealing flap 4a, 4b, a pressure 7 occurs in front of the respective vane 3 and a suction 6 behind the respective vane 3.The sealing flaps 4a, 4b, for example as omega flaps 4b, divide the pump chamber 8 into two pump chamber sections 8a and thus the pumped material in each pump chamber section 8a is pressed in front of the respective vane 3 through an opening as outlet opening 7 into the rotor axis tube 18 and behind the respective vane 3 it is sucked through the opening as inlet opening 6 into the respective pump chamber section 8a of the pump chamber 8. This results in an average speed of the rotor 1 of 35 rpm for such a solution.

[0093] The connection to the vascular system, such as the aorta, is bridged with a vascular prosthesis, as is known from the state of the art.

[0094] Omega flaps 4b are advantageously considered as sealing flaps 4b, which have an extension 36 with an inlet or outlet radius 23 corresponding to the pump chamber outer diameter 23 at at least one radial end of the circular arc sections or the partial cylinder wall in order to promote the rotary movement of the vane 3 and to be able to continue to partially convey the respective fluid when retracting.

[0095] Furthermore, the pressure conditions in this system are limited, so that the omega valve 4b can be held mechanically or electromagnetically as long as the pump is delivering fluid, thus simultaneously exerting a pressure and suction force on the respective sealing valves 4a and 4b. The prevailing pressures are those adequate for the respective vessels and organs.

[0096] The omega valve 4b can be controlled axially and / or radially. In addition, it is guided and supported in or on the axial housing cover 9, 10 of the pump housing 2.

[0097] The Omega flap 4b can be retracted laterally into an extension 29 or a free space 29 of the pump housing 2 for opening using one of the many mechanical solutions in the housing wall 2.

[0098] Closing can be controlled or forced automatically. For example, a cam guide mounted in the housing cover 9 and 10 on the rotor shaft tube 2, an angle-dependent gear guide, or similar can be provided, which moves the omega flap 4b to open and close depending on the angle of rotation of the rotor 1 and thus of the vanes 3.

[0099] Depending on the design and if necessary, the sealing flap 4a, 4b can be locked against the discharge pressure to allow the passage of the vane 3. This can also be done mechanically, electromagnetically, or similarly controlled.

[0100] The sealing flap 4b as an omega flap 4b is shaped or designed in such a way that the pressure forces and also the suction forces occurring on it largely balance each other out or eliminate each other to zero due to its omega-shaped or circular arc-shaped design with a circular arc of more than 180°.

[0101] Since a complete degree of tightness between the pressure side 7 and the suction side 6 is not necessary inside the heart pump, a small gap between the vanes 3 of the rotor 1 and the sealing flap 4a, 4b can also be provided against the housing wall 2 of the pump housing 2, whereby a low blood trauma can be achieved and a rotating and gentle pumping that is adapted to the rhythm of the human heart is predetermined.

[0102] As the vane 3 passes under or along the omega flap 4b, which opens or deflects, the pumping capacity drops to zero with a temporally defined fluctuation, whereby a continued, but slower, rotational movement of the rotor 1 and the vanes 3 is intended to achieve a strong swirling of the blood. Pumping only begins again when the sealing flaps 4a, 4b close, for which the respective vane 3 has left the respective range of motion or pivoting range of the respective sealing flaps 4a, 4b.

[0103] This process of interrupting delivery lasts depending on the design of the individual diameters, namely the pump chamber inner diameter 24 or the rotor axle tube diameter 24 and the pump chamber outer diameter 23, and for example with a vane and a cam design for controlling the omega flap 4b 0.11 - 0.18 seconds over a range of the angle of rotation from 35° to 50° and a rotation speed of 70 rpm with uniform rotation of a rotor with one vane 3. A pulse work in imitation of the human heart can thus be roughly approximately made possible.

[0104] A further, more precise adaptation of the pumping process to the behavior of the natural heart can be achieved with this pump as follows.

[0105] In this relatively slowly rotating system, an electric drive can accelerate or decelerate the rotor 1 in a clocked manner at an average of 70 rpm using one vane 3, or preferably at 35 rpm using two vanes 3. The clock frequency and its characteristics allow the drive and thus the pump and its pumping action to be brought even closer to the human pulse. With one vane 3, the speed of approximately 70 rpm is low for a normal pulse. In the preferred embodiment with two vanes 3, the speed is halved to 35 rpm and can therefore be controlled even more precisely, since the double and parallel pumping action within one revolution also achieves a pulse of 70 and the required delivery volume from two delivery sections of 35 cm3 each.

[0106] A halved rotation speed of the rotor 1 results from the fact that the rotor 1 has two radially oppositely arranged vanes 3 and in the pump chamber 8 there are also two radially oppositely arranged omega flaps 4b, which are in corresponding movement with mutually canceling pressure conditions. In this variant, the blood pumping takes place over approximately 30 to 50° of a 180° rotation, depending on the selected radii, i.e. the pump chamber outer diameter 23 and the pump chamber inner diameter 24 or the rotor axis tube diameter 24. Approximately 28% of the time period of a natural pulse occurs with acceleration for pumping over approximately 130° to 165° of a 180° rotation in the pump chamber section 8a between the omega flaps 4b. In the area of ​​or under the respective Omega flap 4b, the rotor 1 with its blades 3 slows down when or for passing under this to approximately 72% of the time period of a natural pulse beat.With the renewed acceleration of the rotor 1 after the respective Omega flap 4b over approximately 0.28 times the delivery time or approximately 28% of the time range to a pulse beat, a full pump stroke is repeatedly initiated and expelled, similar to the pulsation of the natural heart.

[0107] Approximately 72% of the natural pulse or heart rhythm is used to collect and fill the natural heart chamber(s). This is specifically supported in the pump by slowing down the respective lobe 3 as it passes under the respective omega valve 4b. The pump then draws blood from the ventricle on its suction side 6 at the same time as the pulse. This allows the pumping action to be synchronized with the rhythm of the natural heart.

[0108] The motor power or drive can be provided by an electric gear motor. A more advantageous option is a direct electric drive, which can be integrated at the inlet 11 and outlet 12 of the housing covers 9, 10, or directly on the outer perimeter of the housing wall 2 of the pump housing 2 to the rotor 1.

[0109] Magnets 17a can be placed on the radial outer edge of the vane(s) 3 as permanent magnets, which follow a circulating electric field on the housing cover 9, 10 or on the radially outer wall of the pump housing 2 if electromagnets 16a are installed there and are controlled accordingly.

[0110] The individual flow velocities of the blood in the pump are optimally predetermined by the selection of the respective flow cross-sections, in particular of the inlet opening 6 and the outlet opening 7, in order to additionally ensure sufficient turbulence in the pump through local acceleration.

[0111] This pump is also suitable for complete heart replacement. A tandem solution can be implemented, operating as a parallel double pump like the single pump described above. One pump receives the fresh blood from each half of the lungs, and the second pump receives the returning old blood for transfer to the lungs.

[0112] An obvious solution is a rotor 1 for both pumping directions that collects the fresh blood on one side and directs the blood to the aorta directly in front of the sealing flap 4 through the housing wall 2 or the housing covers 9, 10. The old blood is introduced at the opposite end of the tube and is also laterally directed from the pump housing 2 to the lungs, or vice versa. The rotor axis tube 18 is sealed between the two tube or pump halves by a partition wall 30. This requires only one motorized solution instead of two.

[0113] As a concrete example, the Figures 1 to 4 A sectional view of a rotary piston pump or rotary vane pump with a pump housing 2. The pump chamber 8 is essentially cylindrical. A rotary piston is arranged concentrically as a rotor 1 with two circumferentially opposite vanes 3. The rotor 1 with the vanes 3 encloses the rotor shaft tube 18, or in other words, the rotor shaft tube 18 and the rotor 1 with the vanes 3 form a structural unit.

[0114] In the Figures 1 to 4As described above, in the rotor axis tube 18, there is an inlet channel (not shown) extending from the opposite axial ends and axially separated from one another, leading to at least two inlet openings 6 in the pump chamber 8 and an outlet channel (not shown) leading to at least two outlet openings 7 from the pump chamber 8. In this case, one of the inlet openings 6 is arranged downstream of each of the vanes 3 in the direction of rotation 14, and one of the outlet openings 7 is arranged upstream of each of the vanes 3 in the direction of rotation 14. Accordingly, a pressure side 7 or discharge side 7 is formed upstream of the respective vane 3 with respect to the direction of rotation 14, and a suction side 6 or inlet side 6 is formed downstream of the respective vane 3 with respect to the direction of rotation 14.

[0115] The sealing flap 4b and the Omega flap 4b can be understood as synonymous, so that if the sealing flap 4b is mentioned alone, the Omega flap 4b is also included.

[0116] The inlet channel (not shown) and the outlet channel (not shown) are separated by a channel separation 19, which divides the rotor axis tube 18 into two sections transversely to the axial extent.

[0117] Furthermore, two sealing flaps 4a, 4b are provided, distributed opposite one another in the circumferential direction. The sealing flaps 4a, 4b have a curved or circular contour in the radial direction.

[0118] The radial course of the contour of the sealing flaps 4a to the pump housing 8 according to Figure 1 is only slightly curved. In particular, the Figures 2 to 4The sealing flaps 4b shown have, as so-called omega flaps 4b, a contour in the shape of a circular arc or a partial cylinder jacket radially to the pump housing 8, wherein the circular arc or the partial cylinder jacket is formed over 180 degrees and the respective ends of the omega flaps 4b have the extension 36 with the inlet or outlet radius 23 corresponding to the pump chamber outer diameter 23 of the housing wall of the 2nd pump chamber 8.

[0119] In addition, sealing flaps 4a, 4b are each designed to be rotatable or pivotable or twistable or displaceable.

[0120] The sealing flaps 4a, 4b are according to the Figures 1 to 4for this purpose, it is rotatably or pivotably mounted in or on the pump housing 2 via spokes 33 or pins 13 at a pivot point 28 or pivot point 28, the pump housing 2 having at least one free space 29 radially and axially in some areas in the area or area of ​​movement of the two sealing flaps 4a, 4b. The radially outer and axial housing wall 2 in the area or area of ​​movement of the two sealing flaps 4a, 4b thus has an extension 29 into which the respective sealing flaps 4a, 4b can at least partially rotate or rotate through or pivot in, whereby the respective vane 3 can graze or run past the respective sealing flap 4a, 4b with a maximum radial length or can pass by or pass the respective sealing flap 4a, 4b.

[0121] In the concrete example according to Figure 1The sealing flaps 4a are pivotably mounted on the outer edges 4a in the region of the radially outer housing wall 2 of the pump housing 2 around and via, for example, a continuous or two individual pins 13 at the radially outer, pump-housing-side end of the sealing flaps 4a, so that they can pivot into the free space 29 in the radially outer housing wall 2. The pins 13 are guided or received, for example, in the housing cover 9, 10 axially delimiting the pump housing 2 or the pump chamber 8.

[0122] In the execution according to the Figures 2 to 4the sealing flaps 4b are designed as omega flaps 4b. The omega flaps 4b, which have a circular arc or partially cylindrical shell shape in their contour, are each guided to a pivot point 28 by means of spokes 33 and are rotatably mounted at this pivot point 28 via a pin 13 in the housing cover 9, 10 of the pump housing. The circular arc or partially cylindrical shell-shaped omega flaps 4b protrude into a free space 29 or an extension 29 in the pump housing 2, which has been widened for this purpose. In addition to the housing wall 2, the housing covers 9, 10 of the pump housing 2 also have the free space 29 or the extension 29, particularly in the movement range of the omega flaps 4b and the spokes 33. The respective wing 3 is thus able to brush along or run past the respectively opening omega flap 4b, while the respective omega flap 4b moves around the end of the respective wing 3 in the opposite direction of movement to the direction of rotation 14 of the wing 3.rotates without causing a collision.

[0123] Pump chamber sections 8a are formed by the sealing flaps 4a, 4b, wherein in the direction of rotation 14 the suction side 6 or inlet side 6 is located after the sealing flaps 4a, 4b and the pressure side 7 or outlet side 7 is located before the sealing flaps 4a, 4b.

[0124] As described above, the rotation speed of the wings 3 in the area or movement area of ​​the sealing flaps 4a, 4b is significantly reduced, which simplifies the synchronization of the respective movements and also avoids collisions.

[0125] The free space 29 or the extension 29 causes a swirling of the fluid, in particular blood, when the sealing flaps 4a, 4b are opened by passing the respective wing 3.

[0126] To reinforce this, it is also provided that the pivot point 28 is not arranged centrally but eccentrically in relation to the contour of the circular-arc-shaped or partially cylindrical-shell-shaped omega flaps 4b, wherein the pivot point 28 is selected such that when the rotary movement or opening movement of the sealing flaps 4b or omega flaps 4b begins, they are released from all contact points 38 or contact points 38 on the circular arc or partial cylindrical shell and thus sealing points 38 to the pump housing 2 and in particular to the housing wall 2, the housing covers 9, 10 and their adjacent areas, and thus the swirling and flushing both at the flap edges and their inner and outer surfaces, in particular through the free areas 29 or the widening 29 and the free space 37 between the omega flap 4b and the wing 3.

[0127] In Figure 7 is a cut of a detail to Figure 3a part of the pump housing 2 with housing wall 2 and a housing cover 9, the sealing flap 4b as an omega flap 4b with spokes 33, which are guided to a pivot point 28, the rotor axis tube 18 with rotor 1 and vane 3 as well as the rotor axis 20 as an axis of symmetry and an inlet pipe 21 to the housing cover 9 and rotor axis tube 18 with the inlet channel 11 or the inlet 11 to the rotor axis tube 18. In the area of ​​the omega flap 4b and in the area of ​​the spokes 33, a free space 29 or an extension 29 is present in the pump housing 2. In the corner area or in the transition from the housing wall 2 and the housing cover 9, when the sealing flap 4b is closed as an omega flap 4b, a contact point 38 or contact point 38 and thus a sealing point 38 is formed between the sealing flap 4b as an omega flap 4b and the pump housing 2, in particular to the respective housing cover 9.

[0128] Furthermore, in the area of ​​the respective sealing flap 4b or omega flap 4b, a distance 37 exists radially outwardly and axially between the respective sealing flap 4b or omega flap 4b and the passing vane 3. As shown, the distance 37 approximately corresponds to the clearance 29 or the widening 29 between the respective sealing flap 4b or omega flap 4b and the radial housing wall 2 widened in the area of ​​the respective sealing flap 4b or omega flap 4b or the axial housing cover 9 widened in this area.

[0129] To the wing, as in the Figures 2 to 4In order to be able to graze or run past the contour of the circular-arc-shaped or partially cylindrical omega flaps 4b as closely as possible, the vanes 3 have an S-shaped and thus multiply curved course in the radial direction. Advantageously, the radially curved course of the contour of the vanes 3 and the curved course of the contour of the at least two sealing flaps 4a, 4b are similar to one another or adapted to one another, so that as much of the fluid as possible, in particular the blood, can still be conveyed before the sealing flap opens. This includes the suction side 6 or inlet side 6 and the pressure side 7 or outlet side 7 equally, since the suction 6 and the pressure 7 occur as long as the sealing flap 4b, as the omega flap 4b, is still closed.

[0130] In the concrete example of the Figure 1the vanes 3 are designed to be radially straight so that they can easily brush along or run past the sealing flaps 4a, whereby in this flap solution a large angle of rotation range occurs without conveying, since the sealing flap 4a must already be completely open at the beginning of the incoming vane 3.

[0131] The drive of the blades 3 and the rotor 1 is, as in Figures 1 to 4 shown, by means of magnets 17a at the radial ends of the wings 3 and, as shown in the Figure 2 shown, is realized by means of electromagnets 16a on or in the region of the radial housing wall 2 of the pump housing 2. The electromagnets 16a, 16b can be controlled individually and / or as a group, so that different rotation speeds can be set depending on the angular position of the vanes 3, as shown above.

[0132] Likewise, magnets 17b are provided on the sealing flaps 4b or omega flaps 4b, with which the position of the sealing flaps 4b or omega flaps 4b can be changed and, if necessary, maintained or locked. Accordingly, electromagnets 16b are provided on the pump housing 2 or on the housing covers 9, 10, which can be controlled accordingly, see, for example, in Figure 2 .

[0133] In the Figures 2 to 4 Different operating states or operating positions of the rotary lobe pump or rotary vane pump are shown. While in Figure 2 the sealing flaps 4b are closed and the wings 3 with a high rotation speed provide both suction 6 and pressure 7 are in the Figure 3 The sealing flaps 4b are still open after passing the wings 3. The speed is still low and can, however, be increased again after the sealing flaps 4b are completely closed. In Figure 4It is shown that the sealing flaps 4b close again and can follow the suction-side contour of the vanes 3 in order to close immediately by turning back after the vanes 3 have been turned slightly further, so that the new pumping process can begin.

[0134] The Figure 5 shows a sectional view of the Figure 2, wherein in the area of ​​the omega flap 4b and in the area of ​​the spokes 33 in the housing covers 9, 10 of the pump housing 2 there is a free space 29 or an extension 29, in which the sealing flap 4b is movably arranged as an omega flap 4b with spokes 33 which are guided to a pivot point 28. In the figure above, the inlet pipe 21 in or on the housing cover 9 is shown as the inlet side, to which the inlet channel 11 in the rotor axis tube 18 is connected, and thereafter the inlet opening (not shown) into the pump chamber 8 with a pump chamber depth of 25, which corresponds to the rotor axis tube length. On the outlet side, the outlet opening in the rotor axis tube 18 is not shown, to which the outlet channel 12 in the rotor axis tube 18 is connected, and thereafter the outlet pipe 35 shown below in or on the housing cover 10 is connected. Sail flaps 31 are also provided in the outlet pipe 35.In the rotor axis tube 18 there is a channel separation 19 which axially separates the inlet channel 11 from the outlet channel 12 in an oblique manner.

[0135] In Figure 6is a sectional view of a rotary lobe pump or rotary vane pump at the end of its pumping operation, shortly before the sealing flaps 4b open. While the vanes 3 are still rotating in the direction of the sealing flaps 4b, for example as omega flaps 4b, which have spokes 33 that are guided to the pivot point 28, fluid or blood is still flowing in the direction of flow 15 into the pump and pump chamber 8 on the suction side 6 of the vanes 3 and the sealing flap 4b via the inlet pipe 21, the inlet channel 11 and the inlet opening 6 into the pump chamber 8, while on the pressure side 7 of the vanes 3 and the sealing flap 4b, fluid or blood is still flowing out of the pump in the direction of flow 15 from the pump via the outlet opening 7, the outlet channel 12 and the outlet pipe 35. The wings 3 with their magnets (not shown) are controlled accordingly via the electromagnets 16b and are initially braked before the sealing flaps 4b are to be opened.The sealing flaps 4b with their magnets 17b are controlled by the electromagnets 16b, so that the sealing flaps 4b open in a timely manner and the vanes 3 rotate slowly and synchronously with the sealing flaps 4b beneath them. The rotor 1 with the vanes 3 has a rotor bearing 32 in the housing covers 9, 10 axially defining the pump housing 2 at the transition points between the inlet pipe 21 and the rotor shaft pipe 18, as well as between the rotor shaft pipe 18 and the outlet pipe 35. The channel separation 19 is also present in the rotor shaft pipe 18.

[0136] In Figure 8a further embodiment of a wing 3 is shown, which has a crescent-shaped curved contour opposite to the direction of rotation 14 and at the radial ends in the direction of rotation there are projections 22 in the form of a nose or more noses, which are able to press an omega flap 4b, which may not be completely in contact with the radially outer housing wall 2, against the radially outer housing wall 2 for a free passage of the wing 3.

[0137] Furthermore, the sealing flap 4b as an omega flap 4b has an approximately tangential extension 36 with the inlet or outlet radius 23 corresponding to the pump chamber outer diameter 23 of the housing wall 2 of the pump chamber 8 or with the pump chamber outer diameter 23.

[0138] The section also shows a part of the pump housing 2 with housing wall 2 and the sealing flap 4b as an omega flap 4b with spokes 33, which are guided to a pivot point 28. In the area of ​​the omega flap 4b and in the area of ​​the spokes 33, a free space 29 or an extension 29 is present in the pump housing 2. The channel separation 19 is also present in the rotor shaft tube 18. The rotor 1 with the vanes 3 has a rotor bearing 32 in the housing covers 9, 10 axially delimiting the pump housing 2 at the transition points between the inlet pipe 21 and the rotor shaft tube 18 as well as between the rotor shaft tube 18 and the outlet pipe 35, as shown in the side view in Figure 8 is shown.

[0139] The Figures 9 and 10 show a combined arrangement of two rotary lobe pumps or rotary vane pumps. In Figure 9 Each of the pumps has its own drive for the rotor 1 or the vanes 3. In Figure 10There is a common drive for both pumps in the pump shown above, which is constructed as described above, wherein the drive of the second rotor 1 takes place via the rotor axis 20, which is thus a shaft and which is also a component of the rotor 1. The rotor bearing 32 of the rotor axis 20 is in the inlet pipe 21 of the pump shown above and in the outlet pipe 35 of the pump shown below, as well as between the pumps in the transition between the outlet pipe 35 of the pump shown above and the inlet pipe 21 of the pump shown below.

[0140] For the arrangement, the two rotor axes 20 can be connected together as shafts. This arrangement can be used, for example, for a total heart replacement, since both chambers operate synchronously but with separate flow, with blood from the mitral valve 6a being pumped to the aorta 7a by the lower pump, while blood from the tricuspid valve 6b is pumped to the pulmonary artery 7b by the upper pump.

[0141] The Figures 11 and 12 show a further design of the bearing and guidance of the sealing flap 4b or Omega flap 4b.

[0142] To guide the sealing flap 4b, as shown in Figure 11As shown, in the housing covers 9, 10 there are guide grooves 27 which match the circular arc-shaped or partially cylindrical contour of the sealing flap 4b, the guide grooves 27 being arranged in such a way that an eccentric bearing is produced and, during a rotational movement, the sealing flaps 4b move away at least from the radially outer housing wall 2 or the contact arc of the sealing flap 4b with the pump housing 2. For example, two or three guide grooves 27 are present which are not concentric to one another and each have a narrowing curve.

[0143] The sealing flaps have webs 13 which comprise pins 13 or balls 13 which can protrude or slide or roll in the guide grooves and thus realize the movement of the sealing flaps 4b and their smooth guidance.

[0144] As in Figure 12As shown, on the pressure side 7 of the sealing flap 4b in the casing covers 9, 10, the widening 29 in the form of a groove in the casing covers 9, 10 is present in a circular arc along the course of the closed sealing flap 4b only shortly before the sealing system between the pump casing 2 and the sealing flap 4b. In the closed state, the sealing flap 4b seals on the rotor shaft tube 18 and on the casing covers 9, 10 away from the widening 29 as well as on the radially outer casing wall 2, as shown in the Figure 12 is shown in the upper half. When the sealing flap 4b is opened and due to the non-concentric and also narrowing curves of the guide grooves 27 in the direction of the extension 29, the sealing flap 4b moves not only away from the rotor shaft tube 18, but also in the direction of or over the extension 29 and also away from the adjacent position on the radially outer housing wall 2, as shown in Figure 12shown in the lower half. This promotes the swirling and swirling of the areas of the extension 29. For the other elements, please refer to the previous explanations. Summary of reference symbols

[0145] 1 - Rotor, rotary vane rotor 2 - Pump housing, housing wall 3 - Vanes 4a - Sealing flap 4b - Sealing flap, Omega flap 6 - Suction, suction side, inlet, inlet side, inlet opening 6a - from the direction of the mitral valve 6b - from the direction of the tricuspid valve 7 - Pressure, pressure side, outlet, outlet side, outlet opening 7a - to aorta 7b - to pulmonary artery 8 - Pump chamber 8a - Pump chamber section 9 - Housing cover, inlet 10 - Housing cover, outlet 11 - Inlet channel, inlet rotor axis tube 12 - Outlet channel, outlet rotor axis tube 13 - Cam, web, valve guide, pin, ball 14 - Direction of rotation 15 - Direction of flow 16a - Electromagnet rotor movement 16b - Electromagnet valve lock 17a - Magnet on outer edge of vane 17b - Magnet on sealing flap, magnet on Omega flap 18 - Rotor axis tube 19 - Channel separation 20 - Rotor axis 21 - Inlet tube 22 - Overhang 23 - Pump chamber outer diameter, inlet radius, outlet radius 24 - Pump chamber inner diameter,Rotor shaft tube diameter 25 - Pump chamber depth 26 - Bypass, valve 27 - Guide groove, guides, rail, 28 - Pivot point, pivot point 29 - Free space, extension 30 - Cylinder wall 31 - Sail flap 32 - Rotor bearing 33 - Spoke 34 - Construction axis 35 - Outlet tube 36 - Extension 37 - Distance 38 - Contact point, contact point, sealing point,

Claims

1. Rotary piston pump, comprising a pump casing (2, 9, 10) with a substantially cylindrical pump chamber (8) and a rotary piston as a rotor (1) with at least two blades (3) arranged opposite each other in the circumferential direction or distributed evenly, and at least one sealing flap (4a, 4b), characterised in that at least two sealing flaps (4a, 4b) are arranged opposite each other or distributed evenly in the circumferential direction, wherein the at least two sealing flaps (4a, 4b) are rotatable or pivotable, and wherein an inlet channel (11) extends axially from the respective opposite axial ends in a rotor axle tube (18) and is separate from an axial outlet channel (12), which leads to at least two inlet openings (6) into the pump chamber (8) and at least two outlet openings (7) from the pump chamber (8), wherein each of the inlet openings (6) is arranged in the direction of rotation (14) behind and each of the outlet openings (7) in the direction of rotation (14) ahead of one of the blades (3) in the rotor axle tube (18).

2. Rotary piston pump according to claim 1, characterised in that the blades (3) are point-symmetric to the axis of rotation of the rotor axle tube (18) and / or the contour of the blades (3) has a simple or multiple curvature in the radial direction, and / or the contour of the at least two sealing flaps (4a, 4b) has a curved or circular arc shape in the radial direction, and / or the radial curvature of the blade contour (3) and the curved contour of the at least two sealing flaps (4a, 4b) are similar, adapted, or congruent to each other.

3. Rotary piston pump according to any of the preceding claims, characterised in that the at least two sealing flaps (4a, 4b) have an approximately tangential linear extension (36) or an extension (36) with an entry or exit radius (23) corresponding to the outer diameter of the pump chamber (23) of the casing wall (2) or an outer diameter of the pump chamber (24) at least at the end facing the radially outer casing wall (2) of the pump chamber (8).

4. Rotary piston pump according to any of the preceding claims, characterised in that the at least two sealing flaps (4a, 4b) are mounted or arranged in or on the pump casing (2) via spokes (33) or rod (35) or cams (13) or pins or balls at a pivot point (28) or swivel point or in tracks (27) or in or on guides (27), such that they are slidable, rotatable, or pivotable, wherein the pump casing (2) has at least in the area or movement range of the at least two sealing flaps (4a, 4b) at least partially a radial and / or axial clearance (29).

5. Rotary piston pump according to any of the preceding claims, characterised in that the at least two sealing flaps (4a, 4b) are concentrically or eccentrically rotatable, pivotable, or twistable.

6. Rotary piston pump according to any of the preceding claims, characterised in that the pump casing (2) has electromagnets (16a, 16b) evenly or irregularly distributed over the circumference and / or the axial extension and / or in the area of the sealing flaps (4).

7. Rotary piston pump according to any of the preceding claims, characterised in that at least one magnet (17b) is present on the at least two sealing flaps (4a, 4b) and / or at least one magnet (17a) is present at the radially outer end of the blades.

8. Rotary piston pump according to any of the preceding claims, characterised in that the electromagnets (16a, 16b) can be controlled individually and / or as a group.

9. Rotary piston pump according to any of the preceding claims, characterised in that the at least two sealing flaps (4a, 4b) each have at least one seal and / or an overflow valve (26) or a vacuum-controlled bypass (26) in the respective sealing flap (4a, 4b) or on or in the casing (2) or rotor (1) between the pressure (7) or outlet (7) and suction (6) or inlet (6).

10. Rotary piston pump according to any of the preceding claims, characterised in that the blades (3) radially project in the area of the pump casing in the direction of rotation (14) and / or that the blades (3) and / or the pump casing (2) have an overflow valve (26) or a vacuum-controlled bypass (26) between the pressure (7) or outlet (7) and the suction (6) or inlet (6) in the area of the sealing flaps (4a, 4b).

11. Rotary piston pump according to any of the preceding claims, characterised in that the outlet channel (12) or the rotor axle tube (12) for the outlet or the output tube (35) has a winding or helical shape or cross-section.

12. Method for operating a rotary piston pump, preferably for operating a Rotary Piston Pump according to claims 1 to 13, wherein in a substantially cylindrical pump chamber (8) of a pump casing (2), a fluid is pressed through an outlet opening (7) in the rotor axle tube (18) in the direction of rotation (14) ahead of the respective blade (3) by the rotational movement of a rotary piston as a rotor (1) with a rotor axle tube (18) and with at least two blades (3) arranged opposite each other in the circumferential direction or evenly distributed, and simultaneously, the fluid is sucked through an inlet opening (6) in the rotor axle tube (18) in the direction of rotation (14) behind the respective blade (3), wherein a separation of the pressure (7) or outlet (7) and suction (6) or inlet (6) areas is achieved by means of a sealing flap (4a, 4b), and the respective sealing flap (4a, 4b) remains in a closed position for the pressure (7) or outlet (7) and the suction (6) or inlet (6), and the respective sealing flap (4a, 4b) is pivoted towards the radially outer area of the pump chamber (8) or rotated around the radially outer end of the respective blade (3) to allow the passage of the blade (3), and after passage, the respective sealing flap (4a, 4b) is returned to a closed position, with the pressure (7) or outlet (7) and suction (6) or inlet (6) resuming thereafter.

13. Method according to claim 12, characterised in that the rotary movement of the rotary piston as a rotor (1) occurs at a varying rotational speed depending on the angular position of the blades (3) and / or that the rotary movement of the rotary piston as a rotor (1) is slowed when the respective blade (3) is in the area of the respective sealing flap (4a, 4b).

14. Method according to one of the claims 12 and 13, characterised in that the adjustment of the rotary movement of the rotary piston as a rotor (1) and / or the positioning of the sealing flaps (4a, 4b) is controlled via the actuation of electromagnets (16a, 16b), and / or that the rotary movement of the rotor (1), the positioning of the sealing flaps (4a, 4b), and / or additional data are collected as a basis for pump operation, with the pump's operation being regulated accordingly.

15. Use of the rotary piston pump according to any of claims 1 to 11 as a heart pump to assist the human heart or as a heart replacement.