Performance of a new implantable cardiac assist centrifugal pump

The AB-180 is a new implantable centrifugal pump with a low volume dome (10 ml) and a local heparin delivery system which avoids systemic heparinization. This study focuses on its hemodynamic performance. We analyzed 3 anesthetized calves (71.0 +/- 2.5 kg), equipped with arterial pressure (AP), and Swan-Ganz and left atrial pressure (LAP) catheters. The AB-180 pump was installed through a left thoracotomy, with a transmitral left ventricular (LV) inflow cannula inserted via the left appendage and an outflow tract sutured to the descending aorta. LAP, AP, and blood flow across the pump were recorded for various pump speed and in different preload conditions (right atrial pressure = 4, 7, and 10 mm Hg, respectively). The pump significantly unloaded the left heart cavities and was able to increase the mean AP. For an RAP of 10 mm Hg, running the pump at 4,500 rpm decreased the LAP from 11.0 +/- 0.8 mm Hg to 3.0 +/- 0.8 mm Hg (p < 0.001) and augmented the mean AP from 48.2 +/- 6.4 mm Hg to 80.8 +/- 12.1 mm Hg (p < 0.001). A maximal pump flow of 5.6 +/- 0.2 L/min was obtained under these conditions. In addition to the advantage of its particular design, the AB-180 can be considered as an efficient left ventricular assist device (LVAD). It significantly unloads the left heart cavities and ensures efficient systemic AP and blood flow.