"The significance of this device is as an alternative to cardiac transplantation or as a 'bridge' to cardiac transplantation," Professor Ramsden said. "It is estimated that the number of cases of congestive heart failure in which this device could be used is 70,000 per annum worldwide."

"Currently around 44 per cent of all deaths in Australia each year are directly related to heart disease. Of these, around 750 die from congestive heart failure who could be helped with the pump," he said.

The medical profession has used 'pulsatile' pumps over the past 25 years to treat some heart disease patients. These pumps act as a 'bridging' solution, taking over the function of the patient's left ventricle to restore normal levels of cardiovascular activity until a donor organ becomes available.

Clinical results of heart assist devices, known medically as ventricular assist devices (VADs) have been excellent, with more than 90 per cent of 'bridged' patients who undergo transplant operations being discharged from hospital.

"It is now widely accepted that the survival of patients undergoing heart transplants is significantly enhanced if the patient is first 'bridged' with a VAD," Professor Ramsden said.

The medical profession is now eager to use VADs as an alternative to transplant surgery, but is restricted by the limitations of the existing pumps which are large, expensive and inefficient.

The solution, according to Professor Ramsden, international research teams, and major medical manufacturers, lies with the successful development of a continuous-flow rotary blood pump.

Unlike the pulsatile pump which lasts just two years, the rotary pump is operated by a small and efficient motor drive and is designed to completely support the work of the human left ventricle for up to five years.

The rotary pump's technical features include: being small and light weight, so it can be fitted into patients of all body sizes; increased reliability; a fully integrated motor and pump for maximum efficiency; and a potentially unlimited life.

The successful development of a rotary blood pump will not only provide Australia with its own local product, but pave the way for a large export market.

"The product should be able to be manufactured at much lower cost than the current assist devices, which will make it more accessible to Australians and reduce the death rate from congestive heart failure," Professor Ramsden said.