A novel ECMO circuit using a SYNERGY circulite pump in a swine model

Extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) is used in the management of refractory cardiopulmonary failure. With improvements in technology, patients can be transferred between hospitals, ambulated, and supported for extended periods of time while on ECMO. The SYNERGY CircuLite micropump is a blood pump that has been used as a ventricular assist device for partial support. In this study, we assessed the blood biocompatibility of the SYNERGY blood pump in conjunction with a Quadrox D oxygenator for use in a novel ECMO circuit in a swine model. This clinical design was used to demonstrate early feasibility of this pump system. Four pigs were placed on venovenous ECMO circuit, which consisted of a SYNERGY pump, Quadrox D oxygenator, and Cobe E Pack 3/8 inch tubing. All animals survived the 6 hour ECMO run without catastrophic biocompatibility issues. There was no statistically discernible change from baseline in hematologic parameters, including hemoglobin, plasma-free hemoglobin, total bilirubin, lactate dehydrogenase, D-dimer, fibrinogen, platelets, and P-selectin. We believe that this study serves as a proof of concept and basis for further studies using the SYNERGY pump as a component of ECMO systems.