A pumping system 10 provides a physiological pulsatile flow and includes
controller 121, a pump drive head 50 coupled to a motor 12 and a fluid
housing 52 having at least one port 60. The port 60 includes a ball valve
retainer region 69, a valve seat 73, and an occluder ball 71 disposed in
the ball valve retainer region 69. During operation, the motor 12 forces
the fluid in and out the fluid housing 52 and causes the occluder ball 71
to move from a first position whereby the fluid cannot pass through the
port 60, to a second position whereby the fluid moves annular to and
generally around the occluder ball 71. This movement creates a slight
flow reversal that "breaks up" any blood clots that may form. The pumping
system may be used as part of a cardiopulmonary bypass system, a
ventricular assist device (VAD) and/or a heart pump.