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Development and initial testing of a pediatric centrifugal blood pump
P Litwak1, K C Butler, D C Thomas
1McGowan Center, Department of Surgery, University of Pittsburg, PA 15219, USA.
The Annals of Thoracic Surgery
|January 1, 1996
Summary
A new miniaturized centrifugal blood pump offers a low-volume cardiac assist solution for pediatric patients. This device demonstrated effective performance and minimal hemolysis in lamb studies, showing promise as an alternative to larger systems.
Area of Science:
- Biomedical Engineering
- Pediatric Cardiology
Background:
- Development of a miniaturized centrifugal blood pump for neonatal and pediatric cardiac assistance.
- Features a low priming volume (13 mL) and a compact motor stator for reduced circuit size.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the hemodynamic performance, hemolysis generation, and in vivo tolerability of a novel pediatric cardiac assist device.
Main Methods:
- In vitro testing of hemodynamic performance and hemolysis.
- In vivo evaluation in 5 lambs (5.5-21 kg) with peripheral or atriocaval cannulation.
- Monitoring of plasma free hemoglobin and device condition post-explantation.
Main Results:
- Achieved pump capacity of 0.3 to 3.0 L/min with low in vitro hemolysis.
- Satisfactory in vivo function for up to 148 hours with good animal tolerance.
- Plasma free hemoglobin remained below 25 mg/dL; devices were thrombus-free post-explantation.
Conclusions:
- The miniaturized pump is a viable alternative to current oversized systems for pediatric cardiac assistance.
- A successful chronic neonatal lamb model for evaluating pediatric circulatory assist devices was established.