[Effect of percutaneous cardiopulmonary support (PCPS) on cardiac function with special reference to the significance...

Direct effects of percutaneous cardiopulmonary support (PCPS) on cardiac function were evaluated. Also, the efficacy of left ventricular venting to unload the heart was assessed. Eleven open-chested dogs were placed on PCPS with the flow equal to the baseline cardiac output for 30 minutes. Six out of eleven had left ventricle vented (VENT) by means of venting tube which was indwelt in the left ventricular cavity, while other five did not (NONVENT). Hemodynamic indices were obtained before and on PCPS. Measured, derived or calculated variables included heart rate (HR), mean aortic pressure (mean AOP), left ventricular end-diastolic pressure (LVEDP), peak left ventricular pressure (peak LVP), peak LVdp/dt, rate-pressure product (RPP, HR x peak LVP) and aortic-coronary sinus oxygen content difference (ACsO2D). There was no difference in any variables between the groups at baseline. On PCPS, in the VENT group, HR increased 27% from baseline (p < 0.05), while mean AOP did not change. All other variables showed significant (p < 0.05) reduction in VENT. Percent change from baseline value in VENT was: -24% for LVEDP, -47% for peak LVP, -41% for peak LVdp/dt, -32% for RPP and -42% for ACsO2D. No variable differed significantly from baseline in the NONVENT group on PCPS. The author concluded that left ventricular venting favorably alters the loading and contractile profile of the heart on PCPS without affecting systemic circulation.