Hydromechanical principles of axial pumps.- The first co-axial flow pump for human use: the Hemopump.- Effect of the Hemopump in cardiogenic shock and in the early stage of regional myocardial ischemia.- Effects of left ventricular assist using a co-axial flow pump (Hemopump) on organ blood flow during experimental cardiogenic shock.- Investigational trials of the Hemopump.- Investigational trials of the Hemopump at the Texas Heart Institute: practical issues.- Success and failure of the Hemopump: a critical analysis.- Clinical results of Hemopump support in surgical cases.- Hemopump for supported angioplasty.- Indications for the use of the Hemopump.