Clinical experience using the Bio-pump for extracorporeal circulation during open-heart surgery

The Bio-pump is still being used in a wide range of clinical applications such as open-heart surgery, left-heart bypass, extracorporeal membrane oxygenation, and supplementary circulation. Clinical application of the Bio-pump for extracorporeal circulation in 21 patients undergoing open-heart surgery was compared with application of the roller pump in terms of their effects on hemolysis, platelet function, and renal function. Although the amount of hemolysis was not significantly different between the Bio-pump group and the roller-pump group, platelet function was slightly better maintained in the Bio-pump group as judged by the levels of platelet factor 4, beta-thromboglobulin, and 6-keto-prostaglandin F1 alpha/thromboxane B2. There was no difference between the two pumps in terms of their effects on renal function. The above findings lead us to conclude that there is a slight advantage to use of the Bio-pump in clinical settings.