Abstract
Objective
Various types of rotary blood pumps (axial flow, centrifugal) have been introduced into clinical use recently. These pumps have different pressure–flow characteristics, and some investigators have noted that a limited pump flow rate and less pulsatility are the problems with the axial flow devices.
Methods
A new implantable centrifugal blood pump was developed that has an extremely flat pressure–flow curve and is able to produce a significantly high pump flow rate of 20 l/min at a low pressure of 10–30 mmHg. When the pressure difference between the left ventricle and aorta decreases during systole, an instant high peak flow is achieved, which results in a higher peak pressure in the aorta (systolic pressure). During the diastolic phase, the left ventricle–aorta pressure difference increases to maximum, and the pump flow rate decreases to minimum. Thus, the pump flow rate becomes completely pulsatile, and the high peak flow provides a higher mean pump flow rate. This pump was applied to two end-stage heart failure patients (dilated cardiomyopathy, New York Heart Association (NYHA) class IV, inotrope-dependent).
Results
The pump was observed to provide completely pulsatile high flow assistance of 6–9 l/min with a constant pump speed. Both patients are currently in NYHA class I after 1 year on the device with no major adverse events.
Conclusion
The new centrifugal blood pump provides completely pulsatile high-flow circulatory support with a constant pump speed, which solves the current clinical problems with rotary blood pumps.
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Yamazaki, K., Saito, S., Kihara, S. et al. Completely pulsatile high flow circulatory support with a constant-speed centrifugal blood pump: mechanisms and early clinical observations. Gen Thorac Cardiovasc Surg 55, 158–162 (2007). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11748-007-0098-6
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s11748-007-0098-6