[Centrifugal blood pump (animal experiments) (author's transl)]

A new centrifugal blood pump (Medtronic 1861), suitable as an extracorporeal left ventricular assisting device was tested in vitro with respect to its efficiency and haemolysis. Cannulation was carried out by applying the Zwart technique. Additionally, comparative investigations into haemolysis were performed by using the centrifugal pump and an occlusive roller pump at equal output levels. Moreover, the haemodynamic efficiency of the centrifugal pump in combination with the Zwart cannulation technique was tested in landrace pigs. When the described centrifugal pump and tube system were used, a sufficient pump output and a low rate of early haemolysis could be observed. By applying the centrifugal pump together with the Zwart cannulation technique and conical tubes specially shaped, a complete relief of the left ventricle could be attained experimentally.