The DeBakey VAD Systems are made up of four major components: the Pump, the Data Acquisition System, the Patient Home Support System, and the Controller and VADPAK. The Pump The DeBakey VAD Pump System includes the titanium pump and inlet cannula, the percutaneous cable, the flow probe, and the outflow graft. The pump is attached to a titanium inlet cannula that is placed into the left ventricle. A graft is connected to the pump outlet and attached to the aorta. The following illustration shows the individual components of the pump: The inducer/impeller is the only moving part of the pump. It has six blades with eight magnets hermetically sealed in each blade. The inducer/impeller spins at speeds between 7,500?2,500 RPM and is capable of generating flow in excess of 10 liters per minute. The components are fully enclosed in a titanium flow tube that has been hermetically sealed. The pump is driven by a brushless, direct current (DC) motor stator that is contained in the stator housing. The pump is attached to a titanium inlet cannula that is placed into the left ventricle. A graft is connected to the pump outlet and attached to the aorta. CDAS (Clinical Data Acquisition System) The DeBakey VAD Clinical Data Acquisition System is used to monitor the patient and adjust the operating parameters of the DeBakey VAD. It is designed for use during surgery and while the patient is in intensive care. The system provides power to the unit and is used to adjust the speed of the pump to increase or decrease blood flow. The CDAS also monitors critical patient data, including blood flow rate, speed of pump and power usage. CDAS PHSS (Patient Home Support System) The Patient Home Support System is designed to provide primary power to the DeBakey VAD while the patient is stationary for long periods or sleeping and may be used in the hospital or at home. In addition to providing power, it provides a battery backup and charges up to four batteries. Whether in the hospital or at home, MicroMed designed the PHSS to allow patients to sleep or rest without concern about changing batteries. The Patient Home Support System is approximately the size of a small cooler and weighs approximately 10 pounds. PHSS Controller and VADPAK The MicroMed DeBakey VAD Controller operates the MicroMed DeBakey VAD and displays key operating information about the pump including remaining battery life. The Controller also sounds an alarm in the event power is inadvertently disconnected or upon detection of unusual operating conditions. The two batteries in the VADPAK will each power the DeBakey VAD for approximately two to four hours, giving a combined battery time of approximately six to eight hours. The DeBakey VAD Controller and two batteries are housed in the VADPAK, an ergonomically designed carrying case. Together, the VADPAK, Controller and batteries weigh approximately five pounds, allowing patient mobility and the ability to engage in normal, everyday activities.

In 1987, Drs. DeBakey and Noon designed a low-cost, low-power, implantable ventricular assist device (VAD). NASA began formal funding of the development of the device in 1991. In 1996, MicroMed Cardiovascular, Inc. received an exclusive license from NASA to use this rotary blood pump for cardiovascular applications. MicroMed then began the development of the critical support systems that would allow the device (system) to be approved by regulatory agencies and to be utilized in lifesaving applications on near 175,000 patients in USA.