The simple in vitro thrombogenic test: modified methods for same priming pumps

The improvement of antithrombogenicity is one of the major objectives for the development of blood pumps. Previously we reported that an in vitro thrombogenic test was useful as a pilot study, especially to predict thrombogenic areas. In this study we modified the method for testing pumps with identical priming volumes by eliminating the blood reservoir. Identical compact mock loops (priming volume of 53 ml, without pump) were constructed and tested with the same priming volume of Nikkiso centrifugal pumps, noncoated verus heparin-coated. Two pumps were run simultaneously using the same source of fresh heparinized human blood (activated clotting time [ACT] 150-250 s) for 4 or 6 h. Results indicated that the heparin-coated pump had a longer thrombus free period than the noncoated one. The thrombi location and forms were consistently in the same places the in vivo study had identified. It is suggested that this modified in vitro thrombogenic test is a feasible pilot study, as well as the one previously reported. The minimal priming volume will allow evaluation of multiple pumps simultaneously with the same source blood.