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. 2014 Jul;98(1):97-102.
doi: 10.1016/j.athoracsur.2014.04.027. Epub 2014 May 22.

In vivo testing of a novel blood pump for short-term extracorporeal life support

Nicholas R Teman  1 , David S Demos  1 , Benjamin S Bryner  1 , Bradley Faliks  1 , Emilia M Jahangir  2 , Daniel E Mazur  2 , Alvaro Rojas-Pena  1 , Robert H Bartlett  1 , Jonathan W Haft  3
Affiliations

In vivo testing of a novel blood pump for short-term extracorporeal life support

Nicholas R Teman et al. Ann Thorac Surg. 2014 Jul.

Abstract

Background: Centrifugal pumps are used increasingly for temporary mechanical support for the treatment of cardiogenic shock. However, centrifugal pumps can generate excessive negative pressure and are afterload sensitive. A previously developed modified roller pump mitigates these limitations both in vitro and in preliminary animal experiments. We report the results of intermediate-term testing of our evolving pump technology, known as the BioVAD.

Methods: The BioVAD was implanted in 6 adult male sheep (62.5±3.9 kg), with drainage from the left atrium and reinfusion into the descending aorta. The sheep were monitored for 5 days. Heparin was given during the initial implantation, but no additional anticoagulants were given. Data collected included hemodynamic status, pump flow and pressures, laboratory values to monitor end-organ function and hemolysis, pathologic specimens to evaluate for thromboembolic events and organ ischemia, and explanted pump evaluation results.

Results: All animals survived the planned experimental duration and there were no pump malfunctions. Mean BioVAD flow was 3.57±0.30 L/min (57.1 mL/kg/min) and mean inlet pressure was -30.51±4.25 mm Hg. Laboratory values, including plasma free hemoglobin, creatinine, lactate, and bilirubin levels, remained normal. Three animals had small renal cortical infarcts, but there were no additional thromboembolic events or other abnormalities seen on pathologic examination. No thrombus was identified in the BioVAD blood flow path.

Conclusions: The BioVAD performed well for 5 days in this animal model of temporary left ventricular assistance. Its potential advantages over centrifugal pumps may make it applicable for short-term mechanical circulatory support.

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Figures

Figure 1
Figure 1. BioVAD pump prototype
Figure 2
Figure 2
Depiction of BioVAD pump at different degrees of venous return. (a) Venous return is zero, resulting in flattening of pump chamber. (b) Venous return is sufficient for expansion of pump chamber. (A = pump chamber, B = roller, C = rotor, D = pump chamber inlet region, E = pump chamber outlet region)
Figure 3
Figure 3
BioVAD console. The black dial in the lower right can be used to adjust the pump speed. The screen displays the pump speed in RPM, flow in liters per minute, amount of suction, and percent fill of the pump chamber.
Figure 4
Figure 4. Circuit flow through the BioVAD circulatory support device in six healthy sheep
Figure 5
Figure 5. Inlet pressure values for six healthy sheep supported on the BioVAD circulatory support device
Figure 6
Figure 6. Photographs of BioVAD pumphead (A) and tubing following necropsy (B)
See this image and copyright information in PMC

Comment in

  • Invited commentary.
    Lodge AJ. Lodge AJ. Ann Thorac Surg. 2014 Jul;98(1):102-3. doi: 10.1016/j.athoracsur.2014.04.081. Ann Thorac Surg. 2014. PMID: 24996700 No abstract available.
  • Resurrected Interest in the Rhône-Poulenc Pump for Cardiocirculatory Support.
    Luciani N, Farina P, Luciani M, Glieca F. Luciani N, et al. Ann Thorac Surg. 2015 Jun;99(6):2255-6. doi: 10.1016/j.athoracsur.2015.01.025. Ann Thorac Surg. 2015. PMID: 26046899 No abstract available.
  • Reply: To PMID 24856794.
    Mazur DE, Bartlett RH, Haft JW. Mazur DE, et al. Ann Thorac Surg. 2015 Jun;99(6):2256. doi: 10.1016/j.athoracsur.2015.03.033. Ann Thorac Surg. 2015. PMID: 26046900 No abstract available.

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