Hemolysis. A comparative study of four nonpulsatile pumps

Area of Science:

• Biomedical Engineering
• Cardiovascular Devices
• Hemodynamics

Background:

• Hemolysis is a critical performance metric for blood pumps.
• Inconsistent testing methodologies hinder direct comparison of published hemolysis data.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate and compare the hemolysis generated by four nonpulsatile blood pumps under identical conditions.
• To establish a standardized method for assessing blood pump performance regarding hemolysis.

Main Methods:

• Four nonpulsatile blood pumps (Roller, Biopump Model 600, Biopump BP-80, Hemadyne) were tested in a standardized closed circuit.
• Tests were conducted using calf blood at 37°C, pumped at 6 L/min for 12 hours against a 100 mmHg afterload.
• The hemolysis index (HI) was calculated based on hemoglobin release per 100 L pumped.

Main Results:

• The mean hemolysis index (HI) varied significantly among the tested pumps.
• The roller pump exhibited the highest HI (0.0467), while the Biopump BP-80 showed the lowest HI (0.0076).
• No statistically significant difference in HI was observed among the three centrifugal pumps (Biopump Model 600, Biopump BP-80, Hemadyne).

Conclusions:

• Standardized testing reveals significant differences in hemolysis among nonpulsatile blood pumps.
• The Biopump BP-80 demonstrated the most favorable blood compatibility among the tested devices.
• Centrifugal blood pumps, in general, may offer comparable hemocompatibility when tested under consistent conditions.