Hemopump 31, the sternotomy Hemopump: clinical experience

Area of Science:

• Cardiovascular Surgery
• Mechanical Circulatory Support
• Critical Care Medicine

Background:

• Postcardiotomy cardiogenic shock presents a significant clinical challenge.
• Limited devices effectively unload the left ventricle, unlike the Hemopump.
• The Hemopump 31 (sternotomy Hemopump) offers a unique approach to left ventricular unloading.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the clinical experience and outcomes of using the Hemopump 31.
• To compare the efficacy of early versus delayed Hemopump insertion.
• To identify factors influencing survival in patients with postcardiotomy cardiogenic shock.

Main Methods:

• A retrospective analysis of 15 patients who received the Hemopump 31 between 1992 and 1994.
• Patients experienced refractory heart failure post-coronary artery bypass grafting or heart transplantation.
• Patients were categorized into three groups based on Hemopump insertion timing and configuration.

Main Results:

• No device-related complications or mechanical failures were observed.
• Early Hemopump insertion (Group 3) resulted in a 55% survival rate (5/9 patients).
• Delayed insertion (Group 2) and biventricular support (Group 1) showed significantly lower survival (0-22%).

Conclusions:

• Early Hemopump 31 use is associated with improved survival in postcardiotomy cardiogenic shock.
• Biventricular failure, need for vasoconstrictors, and delayed insertion are adverse prognostic factors.
• The Hemopump demonstrates greater efficiency than intra-aortic balloon pumps for left ventricular support.