Abstract: A blood pump comprises a drive portion (11) and a pump portion (12) prolongated by a flexible hose (13). Pressure sensors (60, 61) determine the differential pressure between the inlet side and the outlet side of the pump. The volume flow can be determined from the differential pressure in conjunction with the rotational speed. Further, the differential pressure may be used to find the correct position of the pump in the heart. As an alternative to measuring the differential pressure, the motor current consumed by the motor (21) is measured and the volume flow of the pump is calculated therefrom under consideration of the known rotational speed. The signal from the pressure measuring device or the motor current may be used to establish the correct position of the pump in the heart.

Abstract: A blood pump having a motor housing and a pump housing which are rigidly connected to one another in an axially spaced relationship. Both housings are of substantially the same diameter and are sized to enable the pump to be introduced via catheter through the body's blood-vessel system. The impeller is mounted in the pump housing on a longitudinally and radially acting bearing designed as a point-support bearing. To avoid oscillation of the impeller, it is fitted with an alignment device which may have a hydrodynamic or mechanical action. Rotation of the motor is transferred to the impeller via a magnetic coupling.