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Updated: Aug 23, 2026
Novel and Innovative Hybrid Technique for Type A Aortic Dissection
Published on: March 28, 2025
Improved hydrodynamics of a new aortic cannula with a novel tip design
Michael Scharfschwerdt1, Axel Richter, Kurt Boehmer
1Department of Cardiac Surgery, University Clinic of Schleswig-Holstein, Lübeck, Germany.
Background:
Reduction of atheroembolic complications during cardiopulmonary bypass remains a major challenge in cardiac surgery. New cannula tip designs may help to attenuate this problem by improved hydrodynamics.
Methods:
Pressure gradients and back pressures of a new aortic cannula tip design were measured and compared with the Medos X-Flow, Sarns Soft-Flow and Argyle THI cannulae at various flow rates in a mock circulation followed by flow visualization.
Results:
Pressure gradients were the lowest for the new cannula. Back pressures of the new cannula were up to 84% lower than for the Argyle cannula. The back pressure profile and flow visualization of the new cannula showed broad centric flow dispersion with a transcannula increase of flow area from 38 mm2 to 139 mm2.
Conclusions:
The new design of an aortic cannula tip provides improved hydrodynamics, with low pressure gradients, low back pressures and a uniform central dispersion of flow, reducing the sandblasting effect.
