THEY CALLED HIM​​
"CAPTaiN HEMO"

Richard K. Wampler, MD, the inventor of the HEMOPUMP, first shared the news with the medical world in 1987.  The new Nimbus HEMOPUMP (named for Dr Wampler's medical group located in Rancho Cordova, CA) was a device that offered significant advantages over other temporary cardiac assist systems of the day such as the intra-aortic balloon pump (IABP) that was in widespread use at the time.

"The IABP," said Dr Wampler, "can provide only 25% of the body's necessary blood flow and requires a high degree of heart function to operate effectively.  Its performance has to be constantly monitored by a trained professional, limiting its portability."

Nimbus Medical, Inc., was headquartered east of Sacramento in Rancho Cordova, CA.  The company was engaged in the development of circulatory support devices for over 18 years and was one of the leading developers of artificial heart systems for the National Institutes of Health.  

Richard Wampler, MD - "Captain Hemo"