Abiomed, Inc.
Cleaning System for Diaphragm Pump

Abstract:

Apparatus and methods for cleaning a single-port fluidic device, such as a single-port, diaphragm-based cardiac pump, with a continuous stream of fresh cleaning fluid, while simultaneously draining soiled fluid, via a single input-output port of the fluidic device. A first coupler releasably mates with the input-output port. The first coupler includes an injector nozzle and a return port. The injector nozzle is oriented to direct a stream of pressurized cleaning fluid toward an interior chamber of the single-port fluidic device. The return port simultaneously removes soiled cleaning fluid from the interior chamber. A circulation pump delivers the pressurized cleaning fluid from a tank to the injector nozzle, and returns soiled cleaning fluid from the return port to the tank, via a cleaning fluid circulation circuit. Optionally, the diaphragm may be alternately driven between two positions, to agitate the cleaning fluid within the interior chamber, thereby enhancing cleaning efficiency.