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The spindle pump--a new concept for a nonpulsatile bloodpump.
J Hager1, F Brandstaetter, I Koller
1I. University Hospital of Surgery, Innsbruck, Austria.
Life Support Systems : the Journal of the European Society for Artificial Organs
|January 1, 1985
Summary
A new nonpulsatile blood pump, the spindle pump, effectively assists the left ventricle (LVAD) but causes some hemolysis. Future work will optimize pump design and coatings to reduce blood cell damage.
Area of Science:
- Biomedical Engineering
- Cardiovascular Science
- Medical Devices
Background:
- Ventricular assist devices (VADs) are crucial for managing heart failure.
- Nonpulsatile blood pumps offer potential advantages over pulsatile designs.
- Paracorporeal VADs provide temporary circulatory support.
Purpose of the Study:
- To introduce and evaluate a novel nonpulsatile paracorporeal blood pump, the spindle pump.
- To assess the efficacy of the spindle pump in assisting the left ventricle.
- To identify and address challenges associated with the spindle pump's performance.
Main Methods:
- Development of a novel spindle pump design for paracorporeal application.
- In vivo experiments using calves to evaluate pump function as a left ventricular assist device (LVAD).
- Analysis of hemodynamic parameters, including aortic pressure, and assessment of hemolysis.
Main Results:
- The spindle pump successfully emptied the left ventricle completely in experimental subjects.
- A nonpulsatile aortic pressure profile was consistently observed.
- Slightly elevated levels of free hemoglobin indicated traumatic hemolysis, exceeding established standards.
Conclusions:
- The spindle pump demonstrates potential as an effective nonpulsatile LVAD.
- Hemolytic trauma remains a challenge requiring further optimization.
- Future improvements will focus on pump geometry and material coatings (polyurethane) to mitigate hemolysis.