An automatic autotransfusion system with a centrifugal pump: a hematologic evaluation in dogs

Area of Science:

• Biomedical Engineering
• Cardiovascular Devices
• Critical Care Medicine

Background:

• On-line autotransfusion systems (ATS) are crucial for managing massive blood loss during surgery.
• Key requirements for ATS include reinfusion capacity, hemocompatibility, air embolism prevention, and operational simplicity.
• Previous studies evaluated diaphragm pumps; this research focuses on centrifugal pumps.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the hemocompatibility and pumping characteristics of a centrifugal pump in an on-line ATS.
• To compare the centrifugal pump's performance against a previously tested diaphragm pump.
• To assess the safety and operational ease of the centrifugal pump within the ATS.

Main Methods:

• A centrifugal pump was integrated as the outflow pump into an existing pneumatically driven ATS.
• The system was tested for hemocompatibility and pumping performance.
• Operational ease and safety were assessed by non-specialized personnel.

Main Results:

• The centrifugal pump demonstrated comparable hemocompatibility to the diaphragm pump.
• The centrifugal pump offers advantages such as preventing massive air embolism and avoiding tubing rupture upon obstruction.
• The ATS with the centrifugal pump was easily and safely operated by non-specialized personnel.

Conclusions:

• The centrifugal pump is a suitable and safe outflow pump for on-line autotransfusion systems.
• Its superior pumping characteristics and safety features make it the preferred choice over diaphragm pumps.
• The system's ease of operation supports its use in clinical settings for managing massive blood loss.