The DuraHeart® Left Ventricular Assist System (LVAS) is one of a new generation of devices designed for long-term patient support. This new technology is designed to decrease complications such as strokes, infection and mechanical failures that are associated with mechanical circulatory assist devices. With its unique design and technology, the DuraHeart LVAS assists the left side of the heart in pumping blood and improving circulation throughout the body. It combines centrifugal pump with magnetic-levitation technologies addressing problems associated with friction, mechanical wear and injury to blood cells. Centrifugal Flow As blood is drawn into a centrifugal pump, a paddlewheel-like component, called an impeller, forces the blood toward the outside walls and expels it through the Outflow Conduit. Right click on the picture below and select Play to view a movie that depicts the way centrifugal pump technology works. Magnetic Levitation Magnetic levitation allows the impeller to be suspended within the blood chamber by electromagnets and position sensors. The following picture shows major components of the DuraHeart Pump.