Percutaneous cardiopulmonary support as the second generation of venoarterial bypass: current status and future...

We have developed a new percutaneous cardiopulmonary support (PCPS) system in cooperation with Terumo Corporation, called the Emergency Bypass System (EBS). This preassembled system is unique in terms of its small priming volume (470 cc), fully automatic priming function, originally developed membrane oxygenator, and Capiox straight path centrifugal pump. The priming process takes only 5 min. We have used this system in 4 patients (all were male; mean age 56 years, range 35-73 years). The duration of assist ranged from 15 min to 210 h. Maximum bypass flow ranged from 2.2 to 3.6 L/min, systemic circulation was very well maintained, and urinary output was acceptable. Although the centrifugal pump was in good working condition, we had to change the oxygenator because of serum leakage 36 to 48 h after initiation of the assist. One patient was weaned from the PCPS, but died of brain death. The other patients could not be weaned from the PCPS. The cause of death in these patients was irreversible myocardial damage. Disseminated intravascular coagulopathy triggered by surgical trauma related to various procedures developed in 2 patients during assist and was the cause of cessation of the assist. Problems to be ratified and future directions in the EBS and PCPS were earlier introduction through the establishment of clear indications and endpoint, heparin coating, improvement in durability of the oxygenator, and cost.