Clinical use of the Hemopump cardiac assist system for circulatory support

We have used the Hemopump in 15 patients in whom weaning from cardiopulmonary bypass was unsuccessful. The median time for the patients having the device on was 1.6 days postoperatively. They spent an average of 6 days in the intensive care unit and had a total hospital stay of about 17 days. Nine of 15 patients (60%) survived and were able to leave the hospital. There were some reversible decreases in kidney function in all patients, but none of them needed hemodialysis. Coronary artery bypass grafting supported by the Hemopump instead of cardiopulmonary bypass and with the use of a short-acting beta-blocker, esmolol, was carried out successfully in 12 patients. In this method the blood is oxygenated by the patient's lungs and the heart is perfused with its own warm blood. The Hemopump supports the circulation and if the patient needs circulatory support after the operation, a left ventricular assist device is already in place. There were no device-related complications apart from two initial cable fractures. The Hemopump fits well in the intensive care unit environment; it is silent, and the management of the console is easily learned. The Hemopump has shown to be an effective and safe tool for unloading the left ventricle while maintaining multiorgan perfusion. There are several potential applications for surgeons and cardiologists.