Abstract: A powered unit is disclosed for providing an auxiliary drive for roller pumps of the type used in cardiopulmonary bypass operations in case the primary drive system for the pump fails or is rendered inoperative for any reason. The unit is provided with a base assembly supporting an electric motor oriented with the drive shaft aligned for coupling to an adapter designed to complementarily fit over or be operably joined to the pump rotor for direct drive thereof at a selected constant angular speed. Handle structure on the base unit is strategically located to allow medical personnel operating the heart-lung perfusion console to emplace the auxiliary drive unit in position and to activate operation of the same in a time period of no more than ten to fifteen seconds.