Clinical experience with Nikkiso centrifugal pumps for extracorporeal circulation

A comparative study of a newly developed impeller-type centrifugal pump, Nikkiso HMS-15, was made to assess the effects on hemolysis, platelet function, and renal function for extracorporeal circulation (ECC) during open heart surgery. The Bio-pump (cone-type, Medtronic) and the roller pump were used as controls. The increase of serum hemoglobin level in the Nikkiso pump was significantly lower than that in the other pumps. The decrease of platelet counts was recognized after the initiation of ECC in the three pumps whereas the levels of platelet factor 4 and beta-thromboglobulin in the Nikkiso pump group increased by far less than in the other two groups. Moreover, renal function was better maintained in the Nikkiso pump group; in particular, a significantly higher urine output was recorded during ECC and for 1 h after the termination of ECC. The results of our clinical studies suggest that the Nikkiso centrifugal pump is suitable for ECC during open heart surgery.