PulseCath iVAC 3LTM hemodynamic performance for simple assisted flow
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Published on: October 17, 2013
Lars Niclauss1, Ludwig Karlvon Segesser
1Department of Cardiovascular Surgery, University Hospital CHUV, CH-1011 Lausanne, Switzerland. lars.niclauss@chuv.ch
Abstract:
The PulseCath iVAC 3L™ left ventricular assist device is an option to treat transitory left heart failure or dysfunction post-cardiac surgery. Assisted blood flow should reach up to 3 l/min. In the present in vitro model exact pump flow, depending on various frequencies and afterload was examined. Optimal flow was achieved with inflation/deflation frequencies of about 70-80/min. The maximal flow rate was achieved at about 2.5 l/min with a minimal afterload of 22 mmHg. Handling of the device was easy due to the connection to a standard intra-aortic balloon pump console. With increasing afterload (up to a simulated mean systemic pressure of 66 mmHg) flow rate and cardiac support are in some extent limited.
