Myocardial support and protection during regional myocardial ischemia using the Hemopump assist device

A study was designed to quantify the influence of the Hemopump on myocardial metabolism in regional myocardial ischemias induced by repetitive balloon-occlusions (3.5 minutes) of the LAD in 12 sheep (b.w. 49-61 kg). In order to make immediate comparisons and obtain paired-couples, ischemias were carried out with and without the Hemopump in operation. An energetic unloading of the left ventricle was achieved by the Hemopump already under preocclusion conditions, reducing myocardial O2-consumption from 7.52 to 5.98 ml/min/100 g LV (= 20%) as well as lowering the LVEDP from 13.3 to 9.8 mmHg (p less than or equal to 0.01). During ischemia a clear increase of LVEDP (13.3 to 21.0 mmHg) occurs, which was prevented in the group with Hemopump-assist (9.8 to 12.1 mmHg). Combined with a sustained higher diastolic aortic pressure, a better myocardial perfusion pressure resulted. Energetic unloading and improvement of perfusion conditions might be the cause of the significantly lowered release of lactate and potassium. Due to theses fibrillation (n = 3) only occurred during occlusions without Hemopump-support. In summary, a significant reduction of the ischemic burden on the myocardium was found. Thus the Hemopump could be of benefit to patients who fail to be weaned from CPB or who are suffering from instable cardiovascular performance.