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Portable mechanical circulatory support: human experience with the LIFEBRIDGE system
Semih Buz1, Michael J Jurmann, Ekkehard Gutsch
1Department of Cardiothoracic and Vascular Surgery, Deutsches Herzzentrum Berlin, Berlin, Germany. buz@dhzb.de
The Annals of Thoracic Surgery
|April 29, 2011
Summary
The portable LIFEBRIDGE B2T system safely supported circulation and gas exchange during cardiac surgery. This novel life support system demonstrated effective performance in human applications, ensuring patient survival without neurological issues.
Area of Science:
- Cardiovascular Surgery
- Medical Device Technology
- Critical Care Medicine
Background:
- Mechanical circulatory support is crucial for patients with severe cardiac dysfunction.
- Portable life support systems offer advantages in rapid deployment and versatility.
- The LIFEBRIDGE B2T system represents a novel approach to miniaturized cardiopulmonary bypass.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the safety and functional performance of the LIFEBRIDGE B2T system.
- To assess the system's efficacy in human subjects under controlled conditions.
- To validate the LIFEBRIDGE B2T system as a portable life support solution.
Main Methods:
- The LIFEBRIDGE B2T system was employed as a modular, closed-circuit cardiopulmonary bypass.
- Eight elective coronary artery bypass grafting procedures utilized the system for total circulatory and gas exchange support.
- Procedures were conducted under normothermic cardioplegic arrest.
Main Results:
- The LIFEBRIDGE system provided mean blood flow rates of 4.82±0.47 L/min, meeting 100% of calculated normal flow.
- Sufficient gas exchange and arterial oxygenation were maintained throughout all procedures.
- All eight patients survived surgery without any reported neurologic sequelae.
Conclusions:
- The LIFEBRIDGE B2T system effectively delivers adequate circulatory support and gas exchange under maximal stress conditions (cardiac arrest, apnea).
- The system's portability and rapid delivery capabilities position it for future use in critical care scenarios, including cardiogenic shock.
- This study supports the LIFEBRIDGE B2T system as a safe and functional portable life support device.
