Long-term circulatory and respiratory support using two artificial ventricles and a fluorocarbon oxygenator

Area of Science:

• Cardiovascular Surgery
• Biomedical Engineering
• Medical Devices

Background:

• Artificial circulation and oxygenation are critical in cardiac surgery.
• Existing technologies face limitations in mimicking physiological conditions.
• Development of advanced cardiopulmonary bypass systems is essential.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate a new heart-lung machine for artificial circulation and oxygenation.
• To assess the device's ability to preserve cardiac function during perfusion.
• To determine the potential for clinical application of the novel apparatus.

Main Methods:

• Experiments conducted on dogs, donkeys, and monkeys.
• Utilized a new heart-lung machine with sequential artificial ventricles in antiphase mode.
• Employed a reusable oxygenator with a fluorocarbon preoxygenator for blood oxygenation.
• Monitored myocardial PO2 and quick-connect/cut-off assemblies for performance optimization.

Main Results:

• The apparatus provided complete and assisted artificial circulation, oxygenation, and heart perfusion.
• Perfusion conditions closely approximated physiological states.
• Long-term survival of experimental animals was achieved.
• Optimized left ventricular bypass performance was demonstrated.

Conclusions:

• The new heart-lung machine shows promising potential for clinical use.
• The device's ability to maintain physiological perfusion supports its consideration for cardiac surgery.
• Further investigation into its clinical efficacy is warranted.