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Rotacor: a new rotary blood pump
R Margreiter1, W Schwab, G Klima
1Department of Transplant Surgery, University Hospital, Innsbruck, Austria.
ASAIO Transactions
|July 1, 1990
Summary
This study tested a new rotary blood pump in calves, finding it suitable for circulatory assistance. The device demonstrated effective ventricular support with acceptable energy use and low initial plasma hemoglobin levels.
Area of Science:
- Biomedical Engineering
- Cardiovascular Science
- Medical Devices
Background:
- Circulatory assist devices are crucial for managing heart failure.
- Novel pump designs are needed to improve hemocompatibility and efficiency.
- Rotary blood pumps offer potential advantages in pulsatile flow generation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the performance and hemocompatibility of a new trochoidal rotary blood pump.
- To assess the pump's suitability for left, right, and biventricular assist in a preclinical model.
Main Methods:
- A novel rotary blood pump with a trochoidal internal surface was tested in calves.
- The pump was used for left ventricular assist (LVA), right ventricular assist (RVA), and biventricular assist (BVA).
- Hemodynamic parameters, energy requirements, and plasma hemoglobin levels were monitored over 6 hours.
Main Results:
- The pump generated a pulsatile flow of 3 L/min at 70 rpm.
- Energy requirements were 2.19 W (LVA), 2.06 W (RVA), and 7.26 W (BVA).
- Plasma hemoglobin remained low (10 mg/dL) during monoventricular assist, increasing to 20 mg/dL during BVA after 3 hours.
Conclusions:
- The new rotary blood pump shows promise as a circulatory assist device.
- Preliminary results suggest adequate performance for ventricular support.
- Further investigation is warranted to optimize hemocompatibility, especially during biventricular configurations.