New roller pump disposable provides safety and simplifies occlusion setting.

Area of Science:

• Biomedical Engineering
• Cardiovascular Technology

Background:

• Standard arterial roller pump tubing lacks integrated safety features for pressure regulation.
• Setting pump occlusion can be inconsistent, potentially leading to non-optimal blood flow dynamics.

Purpose of the Study:

• To introduce and evaluate the Better-Header, a disposable insert designed to enhance safety and functionality of arterial roller pumps.
• To assess the Better-Header's ability to limit outlet pressure and facilitate consistent occlusion settings.

Main Methods:

• The Better-Header, incorporating a Starling-like pressure relief valve, was integrated with standard arterial header tubing.
• Laboratory evaluation of pressure-flow characteristics was performed, including testing under clamped arterial line conditions.
• Clinical performance was assessed in over 500 cases at North Shore University Hospital.

Main Results:

• The Better-Header effectively limited arterial line pressure to safe, user-settable levels, even under high flow or clamped conditions.
• The device demonstrated consistent nonocclusive settings with predictable retrograde flow.
• Clinical use successfully alerted staff to high-pressure situations via fluid shunting and audible alarms.

Conclusions:

• The Better-Header offers significant safety improvements over standard arterial roller pump setups by providing automatic pressure limitation.
• It enables reliable and consistent nonocclusive settings, contributing to improved patient safety and procedural efficiency.
• The device has proven effective and reliable in extensive clinical application.