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Axial flow catheter pump for circulatory support
T Schmitz-Rode1, J G Pfeffer, S Graf
1Clinic for Diagnostic Radiology, University of Technology Aachen, Germany. smiro@rad.rwth-aachen.de
Aim:
The development of a percutaneously insertable catheter pump for temporary left ventricular and circulatory support in patients with acute ischemic cardiomyopathy.
Material And Methods:
The expandable axial flow pump (introduction diameter 9-F, expanded diameter 6.5 mm) is mounted at the tip of a catheter, designed to be placed in aortic transvalvular position. Hydrodynamic tests were performed in a static flow model and in a pulsatile mock circuit (Medos VAD, Stolberg, Germany). Cardiogenic shock was simulating in vitro and in vivo.
Results:
At a rotation speed of 32,000 rpm the catheter pump delivered a maximum flow of more than 4.0 L/min against a systemic mean pressure of 60 mmHg. Under shock simulation the pump significantly improved output and systemic pressure.
Conclusion:
A percutaneously insertable catheter pump is technically feasible. Hydrodynamic efficacy allows sufficient cardiac support under simulated shock condition.
