Open AccessIn Vivo Testing of a Right Heart Mini-Pump During a 24 Hour Period: Is it Safe?
Author(s) -
Xavier M. Mueller,
Monique Augstburger,
Yves Boone,
Hendrik T. Tevaearai,
Ludwig K. von Segesser
Publication year - 2002
Publication title -
asaio journal
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.961
H-Index - 66
eISSN - 1538-943X
pISSN - 1058-2916
DOI - 10.1097/00002480-200211000-00002
Subject(s) - hematocrit , medicine , cannula , cardiology , perfusion , hemoglobin , artery , heart rate , platelet , anesthesia , surgery , blood pressure
A coaxial atrial cannula connected to a mini-centrifugal pump was developed to bypass the right heart during extreme exposures in off-pump coronary artery bypass surgery. This study was designed to test the effect of this pump, running during 24 hours, on blood elements to evaluate its use as a prolonged right heart support. In a calf model (body weight 68+/-5 kg), the pump was inserted and set to its maximal motor speed of 7000 rpm. Blood samples were drawn every 6 hours for blood gas analyses, as well as for hematology and chemistry. The right heart mini-pump performed perfectly at its maximal speed over the 24 hour period. Blood gas parameters and blood lactate levels reflected adequate tissue perfusion (baseline: 2.2+/-0.5 mmol/L vs. 24 h: 2+/-0.3 mmol/L; p = 0.64). Red blood cell count was stable (baseline: 9.8+/-1.4 x 10(12)/L vs. 24 h: 9.6+/-1.1 x 10(12)/L; p = 0.83). Free plasma hemoglobin remained below 100 mg/L throughout the experiment. Platelet count was stable during the first 6 hours and exhibited a tendency to drop thereafter (baseline: 749+/-104 x 10(9)/L vs. 24 h: 486+/-20 x 10(9)/L; p = 0.01). This right heart mini-pump appears to provide sufficient blood flow during a 24 hour period with minimal impact on red cell and moderate platelet damage after 6 hours. These results suggest a potential application of this system for postcardiotomy right heart support.